Ever since mobile devices gained the ability to connect to the Internet, the integration of smart technology has followed us out of the office and into our homes, and even on your family vacation. If you are afraid that unplugging yourself from the workplace will spell trouble for your business, think again - you might just be worrying too much.
What many business owners don't understand is that some downtime is healthy for not only their employees, but themselves, as well. When not at work, the body and mind need time to recharge and get back into the groove of things. Without some time off, you never truly recover from working, and you'll quickly become exhausted. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, stress costs American businesses around $300 billion per year, and sleep deprivation adds an additional $63 billion to this total.
Some Downtime is Good
Too many executives and employees think that their clients or bosses need to have access to them at all hours of the day, every day. If we can't be gotten ahold of, our superiors and customers will be unhappy, and the experience will be unfortunate for everyone involved. You might know some people like this, but you shouldn't worry about it.
Most employers will be understanding if you aren't available for work during the nighttime hours, weekend, or especially on scheduled vacation time. They can't exactly blame you for resting, at least. We're sure they also like to take a step back on occasion too. In fact, jumping the gun and responding to clients too quickly could give them the wrong impression of your business - that you aren't busy, when in reality, you might feel like there aren't enough hours in the day to get all of your work done.
Vacation Doesn't Involve Working - So Don't!
Let's say you get a message or an email that requires your attention, and you decide it is in your best interest to respond immediately. You'll fix the problem and get right back to relaxation. Unfortunately, it doesn't quite work like that, and simply resolving a small problem will derail your relaxation train.
In fact, mental relaxation is perhaps just as important, or maybe even more so, than physical relaxation. Without a strong mind, you won't be accomplishing as much at work, and your productivity will surely suffer. If all you do while you aren't at work is work, then what's the point of even taking time off? Your familial relations might even suffer, as they see you would rather have a relationship with your smartphone or laptop than them.
Don't Check Your Email While On Vacation
Some people are under the impression that if they don't check their email, work will pile up and you'll be in for one rude awakening come Monday morning. But, honestly, you don't have much to worry about. You receive a ton of emails on a daily basis, but how many of them are actually important things that need an immediate response? Probably not many of them. They are all ideas pitched by your team, or just general off-topic messages that you could ignore and nobody would care.
If your assistance is absolutely imperative and an emergency has sprung up, you can expect to get a phone call. Don't waste time at family get-togethers checking your work email when you could be bonding and spending quality family time.
Ultimately, it comes down to accepting the fact that time off is time off, and you should enjoy it when you can get it. Don't waste valuable relaxation and recharging time worrying about the workplace - it'll still be there when you return from your vacation or day off.
