Top 5 tips on how to enjoy your annual leave

We are hearing more and more about the benefits of having a work-life balance and the positive effect this can have on your career but yet many of us are ignoring this advice.

With holiday time fast approaching, many of us will be flying off to exotic destinations to recharge our batteries, but is our dedication to the job stopping us from enjoying this valuable time?

Here are five tips that might help you leave your work worries at home and enjoy your holiday:

Plan ahead

With many of us booking our holidays months in advance, this gives us plenty of time to plan our workload before we leave. Work an hour later every evening the week before you jet off. This will give you a chance to get through your workload so you can leave with peace of mind.

“Out of Office”

Always put on an out of office automatic reply on your emails stating that you are on annual leave and when you will return. Also, give the name and number of one of your colleagues who they can contact for all urgent matters.

Choose a good time to take holidays

Pick a time of the year that would traditionally be a quiet time for your business. This reduces your chances of having a heavy workload and being disturbed while you are relaxing in the sun.

Designated ‘Work Time’

Unfortunately, sometimes checking in with work is just unavoidable. If this is the case designate one hour per day to work and do not exceed this. Inform your colleagues that you can be contacted between 9:00 am and 10:00 am for any emergencies but not outside of these hours.

Switch Off

Finally, it is very important that you mentally switch off from work while you are away. Everyone needs a break from their job so if you do this you will come back refreshed and will work a lot more efficiently and happily upon your return.