Unplug to Thrive: How Real Vacations Boost Leaders' Wellbeing and Success 🌴🧘♂️
- susanthomasgiantco
- Jul 9, 2024
- 3 min read
Taking a holiday isn't just about escaping the daily grind; it's an essential practice for maintaining
mental health,
enhancing productivity,
fostering trust and respect within the workplace.
Research has proven that "long periods of work without vacation can lead to reduced productivity, diminished creativity, and strained relationships," The Wall Street Journal reports. There are also repercussions to our health. The stress of work has been found to increase cardiovascular risks and aggravate existing conditions.
BUT…. A significant number of employees, including leaders, are being asked to work during their holidays, blurring the lines between personal time and work obligations.
Statistics on Working During Holidays 📊
The Importance of Holidays for Leaders 🌟
Taking a genuine break from work can have profound benefits:
Mental Health 🧠: Vacations reduce stress, prevent burnout, and improve overall mental health.
Productivity 🚀: Well-rested employees are more productive, creative, and better problem solvers.
Trust and Respect 🤝: Encouraging employees to take time off builds a culture of trust and respect, showing that their well-being is a priority.
Reflection Time 🧐: Time away from work allows leaders to reflect, gain new perspectives, and return with renewed focus and clarity.
Thought-Provoking Questions for Bosses and Employees 🤔
For Bosses:
Are you encouraging your team to take their full vacation time without interruptions?
Do you model the behavior by completely disconnecting during your own holidays?
How can you support a culture where personal time is truly respected?
For Employees:
Do you feel comfortable taking your full vacation without checking in on work?
How can you set boundaries to ensure your time off is respected?
What strategies can you implement to leave work behind during your holidays?
Strategies to Ensure Holidays Mean Time Away 📅
Strategy | Description |
Set Clear Boundaries 🚧 | Communicate your vacation dates and ensure responsibilities are delegated. |
Use Technology Wisely 📵 | Set an out-of-office email and avoid checking work messages. |
Plan Ahead 🗂️ | Complete major tasks before leaving and inform clients of your absence. |
Encourage a Supportive Culture 🤗 | Promote a work environment that respects personal time. |
Reflect and Recharge 🌿 | Use the time to engage in activities that rejuvenate your mind and body. |
Real-Life Examples 📖
Reed Hastings, Netflix CEO
Hastings has publicly announced that he takes six weeks of vacation a year because it's important for work-life balance. He has also said, "It is helpful. You often do your best thinking when you're off hiking in some mountain or something. You get a different perspective on things."
Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook COO
Not only is Sandberg the COO of Facebook, she's also an author. When working on Lean In, she was asked how she was able to balance writing, her job at Facebook, and her personal life. Sandberg claimed it was possible because she used all of her vacation days.
Richard Branson, Founder of the Virgin Group
The eccentric billionaire has been known to take lengthy vacations either traveling the world or relaxing at his home on Necker Island. Branson has said:
"Maintaining focus on having fun isn't just about rest and recuperation: When you go on vacation, your routine is interrupted; the places you go and the new people you meet can inspire you in unexpected ways. As an entrepreneur or business leader, if you didn't come back from your vacation with some ideas about how to shake things up, it's time to consider making some changes.
"I make sure that I disconnect by leaving my smartphone at home or in the hotel room for as long as possible--days, if I can--and bringing a notepad and pen with me instead. Freed from the daily stresses of my working life, I find that I am more likely to have new insights into old problems and other flashes of inspiration."
Because Branson enjoy vacations so much, he's even jumped on board with the idea of providing unlimited vacation time to his employees.
🌟 "Taking time to do nothing often brings everything into perspective." — Doe Zantamata 🌟
Call to Action 📢
Ensuring that holidays are truly time away is crucial for leaders' mental health, productivity, and the overall health of the workplace. Reflect on your practices and make the necessary changes to support a culture where personal time is genuinely respected. Share your thoughts and strategies in the comments below and follow my blog for more insights on achieving a balanced and productive work life. https://www.awakenthegiantcoaching.com/blog
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