How to Mix Vacation and Work

Summer is universally recognized as the time to take a break. However, taking a break is not always an option for a full time employee, even if you go on a trip. Here’s how to effectively balance work and vacation.

1. Work ahead

Try to get some of the work you’ll be missing finished before you leave. Staying overtime in the weeks before your trip is never a bad idea. Try to get as much done as possible before leaving.

2. Set boundaries

Staying on top of work is important, but you should remember that you planned this vacation for a reason. To ensure that you get that much needed rest and relaxation, set constraints on when and how much you work. Do work when you know it won’t interfere with your recreational plans. Are you excited for early morning hikes or you looking forward to the nightlife? Plan accordingly. Additionally, try not to spend more than an hour or two working. You don’t want to turn your work/break balance into a part-time job.

3. Plan

It’s also incredibly important to plan ahead. Arrange who will cover for you and who you want to put in charge of any projects. Distribute outlines and checklists to those who are helping you. Throughout your trip, periodically check in to ensure that everything is getting done as you see fit.

4. Limit yourself to a phone

With your boundaries set and your plan set in motion, go even further in ensuring you get the break you need. Limit your devices to just your phone. This allows you to stay in contact with those who need you, but doesn’t give you the ability to waste your vacation time writing reports or doing digital filing.

5. Don’t take your work with you

Plan to only check your e-mail or update your team while you’re in your hotel room or in the taxi on the way to your destination. Once you’re at the beach, the park, or the club, turn your work off. Do what you came here to do - enjoy yourself!

How to Stay Professionally Productive Over the Summer

Letting the warm weather affect your work ethic is a danger that all workers face. Try not to get stuck in the haze of summer by staying productive in your professional field.

1. Cover for vacationing coworkers

Show that you can take initiative and are a team player by taking on any projects or work that your coworkers abandoned when they went on vacation. Ensure that your coworkers are up to speed on any changes that go on in the office or attend meetings that they might miss and take notes for them. Not only will you be helping your coworkers, but you’ll also be gaining invaluable experience in different areas of the office.

2. Take on new projects

With the calm of summer, it’s easier to take on a lot of work at once. Start new initiatives that didn’t take priority during the busy seasons. Revisit smaller projects that fell through the cracks or were postponed. You’ll have more time to invest your time and passion and really make a difference.

3. Combine work and play

If you’re lucky enough to be able to go on vacation during the summer, don’t let your work fall by the wayside. It’s important to relax during your trip - after all, that’s what it’s for. Dedicate half an hour in the morning to check your work e-mail or check in on a project you left in the hands of a trusted colleague.