It's no secret that unplugging from work is important.
After all, how can you expect to fully relax and recharge if you're constantly checking your phone or responding to messages? Unfortunately, many of us find it difficult to unplug from work or have bosses that don't allow us to truly disconnect.
I recently had a conversation with one of my career coaching clients about how important it is to unplug while on paid time off (PTO). He told me that he, unfortunately, isn't able to fully take time off because his email and phone calls don't stop even while out of the office. I gave him the hard feedback that setting that boundary has to start with him, and today, I'd like to share that same advice with you.
Communicate Your Boundaries With Your Team
It's so important to set the expectation with your team that you will not be available during your time off. It's always best to clarify that this will be a total disconnect from work so that your team knows not to expect a response from you during that time.
By setting clear boundaries and expectations, you can work with your team beforehand to ensure the proper coverage of your work while you're on vacation. This way, you can relax and disconnect without worrying about what's happening back at the office.
Time Off Allows Us to Recharge
One of the main reasons why unplugging from work is so important is that it allows us to recharge and get inspired about our career again. When we allow ourselves to truly disconnect, we can come back feeling refreshed and engaged.
If you find yourself struggling to unplug, remind yourself that time off is crucial in order for you to be productive and to get those creative juices flowing again. Much like nature has seasons, we too need seasons of rest so we can recharge and continue growing.
Managers, Allow Your Team to Enjoy Their Time Off
Just as it's crucial for us to unplug from work, our managers must allow us the time to do so.
If you're a manager reading this, ask yourself if you're truly allowing your team the time they need to recharge. If you require them to be available during their PTO, they're not truly getting the break they deserve.
Remember, there are very few business responsibilities where lives will be in jeopardy if someone on your team steps away. Use an employee's time away to allow other team members to step into the role, increasing their skill set as they take on new responsibilities.
It's Ok to Ask for Help
If you find it difficult to unplug from work, know that you're not alone. Setting those boundaries with your team and manager can be difficult, especially if it's your first time doing so.
Need help establishing clear boundaries with your team for your next vacation? I'm thrilled to tell you that a career coach can help you with that! I would love to help you prepare for those conversations so that you can finally enjoy that well-deserved vacation.
I hope you're feeling motivated to set some boundaries of your own. Take the first step today towards unplugging, and remember, it starts with you!
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