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Worried about how work will get done while you’re on vacation? If so, you’re not alone. Many people are eager to get into “vacay mode” but worry about taking time off from work. Business owners and people with flexible working arrangements may find themselves concerned about balancing work and vacation.
Balancing work while you’re on vacation is certainly possible, with a few tips to put into place. Some people even go as far as to avoid going on vacation based on their work fears. Don’t let this be you! Get out there and enjoy your vacation while balancing your work. Check out these four tips to balance your work while you’re out of the office.
1. Limit Electronic Time
Limiting the time spent on your computer and other electronic devices is essential for balancing work while on vacation. Vacation is all about creating memories and seeing new sights and relaxing. Plus, vacation time is too expensive to spend with your head in your electronics. Create a daily schedule for your vacation that allows a few hours daily to use technology to check-in and complete any tasks that can’t wait. This could be at any time of the day or night. The great news about this tip is it is flexible around your vacation schedule, and if there’s a day with nothing pressing, you can shut your laptop or turn off your phone and spend the whole day relaxing and enjoying your family.
When traveling with other people, be sure they understand this schedule you’ve planned before the trip. This will set expectations but make it clear that you’re able to separate work and play. Setting aside this daily time to touch base and catch up on your computer will allow you to be productive too. Make sure you’re in a quiet workstation during these critical hours so you can be as efficient as possible.
Another way to make the most of the few daily hours you’ve set aside to work is to make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Sleeping while away from home can be difficult, for a variety of reasons. Whether it’s an uncomfortable hotel bed or a time change causing jet lag, there’s nothing like sleeping in your own bed. For tips on how to get a more restful night’s sleep, check out these helpful tips for sleeping better while you’re away from home.
2. Don’t Talk about Work
It can be easy to get so wrapped up in work happenings that it takes over your vacation. This simple tip will allow you to truly enjoy your vacation. The whole idea behind a vacation is that it is different from your daily routine and life. When on vacation, try to focus on other non-work-related topics of conversation. This will allow you to separate your work from vacation time, rather than intermingle them. You’ll be glad when you look back on your vacation memories.
For the other people you travel with, this important tip will help them enjoy their trip more too. Talking about work too much sets the wrong tone for a vacation that is supposed to be enjoyable. Catch yourself and stop talking too much about work while you’re traveling for full enjoyment.
3. Set Strict End Times
When it comes to work, there is often a never-ending flow of continuous tasks. This tip goes hand in hand with tip #1, where we suggested limiting the amount of time spent on the computer. After you’ve set aside a specific number of hours daily to work, it’s your job to follow through and enforce this rule. Once you get engrossed in working, the time can often fly. Set an alarm and set a cut-off time when you put down the work and resume the next day.
Many all-inclusive resorts offer dedicated conference rooms and quiet workspaces for people needing to work while on vacation. Utilizing these spaces can help you separate from the vacation environment temporarily to get in the right work mindset.
4. Set Realistic Commitments
Before traveling, make sure you set realistic expectations with your coworkers or business partners. If you commit to doing too much while you’re away, you will a constant pressure and weight on your shoulders. You’ll also feel guilty about not doing as much work as you said you would and/or feel guilty about spending so much time working and not enjoying your vacation and family time. Analyze your travel plans, day by day and consider how much work you can realistically get done each day. Now, reduce this number by at least a third to a half. People generally overestimate how much they can get done and how much time they’ll have in-between vacation activities.
With these four things in mind, your next vacation can be both enjoyable and productive. Before traveling, set realistic commitments and expectations as to how much work you will be able to get done while you’re away. Put yourself in the right mindset by not talking too much about work during the vacation. Set strict end times and carve out a specific time each day to catch up on the most important work functions. Try these tips next vacation to make memories that will last a lifetime!
