April 26, 2018
I just returned from a fabulous five night/six day girls trip in Jamaica where we celebrated our dear friend Cathy’s 50th Birthday. The privately-owned villa we rented came with five-star services that included a butler, private chef and many other vacation indulgences that catered to our every whim and need. Our jam-packed agenda during the week included a catamaran cruise, massages, lounging on the beautiful beach, dinner at the Montego Bay Yacht Club, dancing at Margaritaville, snorkeling and high tea in the Club House at the Tryall Resort Club. I have to say; it was the best girls trip ever!With all the posh surroundings and pampering during our visit, why was it so difficult for me to totally disconnect from work? Sadly, I’m not the only one that finds it tough to turn off the work button. In fact, only 22 percent “completely disconnect” while on vacation.*
For once, I vowed not to drag my laptop along, which for me was a major decision. Besides, I had too much to carry since I practically took every summer outfit I owned—just in case. I put my “out-of-office” auto reply message on before I left and informed my clients that I would be away and out of pocket for the next five days. I also entrusted my team with specific deliverables while I was away since we had major media events happening during the week.
In all this proactive planning, I still had my smartphone and iPad with me and found myself checking my email messages every morning before breakfast to keep a pulse on what was happening back home. And occasionally, I would either answer emails or forward information on to team members. God forbid life or work couldn’t go on without me.
In my mind, I know that vacations are meant to serve as the ultimate reset button. And, I realize that even when I’m lounging on the beach sipping rum punch if I’m also checking emails on my phone, I’m really not taking the break I need to recharge.
Taking time off makes us better. Better for our jobs because we return to work both mentally and spiritually revitalized, with a renewed focus. We also are better with our families because we are less stressed, and better for ourselves because we’re healthier, both physical and emotionally. Yet, many of us are not using our time off to our fullest potential. Work culture and technology encourage us to stay plugged in.
According to a Harvard Business Review article by Regan Walsh, an NYU-certified Executive and Life Coach, here are three things we can all do to unplug on our next vacation:
1. Turn on Your Out-of-Office Message. Even if you plan to check in like me occasionally, tell people you will have limited email access and you will respond to them on a specific date when you return.
2. Put Your Technology Away. Unfortunately, my phone was always nearby calling my name. Besides I needed the phone to take my vacation pictures such as the infamous: food, feet on the beach and numerous selfies. At one point, my phone rang, and it was actually my dentist office confirming an appointment. I quickly told her, I’m on vacation and would get back to her when I returned. Why did I have the ringer on in the first place?
3. Ask Your Team for A Recap. While we had discussed specific deliverables before I left, I couldn’t stop wondering whether things were getting done. The next time, I will ask my team to send me a briefing the day before I return listing what happened while I was gone. This will help me transition back into my routine and quickly get me up to speed.
On my next vacation, I promise to do better by fully unplugging and returning to work refreshed, relaxed and ready to tackle the new opportunities that await.
*Associated Press NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll.
Often, when I tell someone to “Keep Dreaming,” it comes from a sarcastic place and means “this will never happen.” However, as I reflect on the crazy, challenging year we all experienced in 2020, I think it’s time to get back to our dreams literally.
At the beginning of 2020, I had big dreams. I had planned a February vacation trip to Thailand, a women’s conference in March, Florida in April, Aruba in June, and Hilton Head with cousins in October. All plans were canceled indefinitely. Getting refunds/credits from travel agencies, airlines and hotels became a significant challenge and took lots of energy.
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Hi! I'm LaNella Hooper-Williams. Through my blog, my mission is to give you tips and practical tools that will help you build a powerful brand and accomplish your personal and professional dreams. You’ll learn strategies that help you manage your personal brand, get noticed and rewarded for your unique talents, and gain greater career focus.
I agree that we should be able to turn it off, but it’s just not realistic depending on the position you are in. I checked in every day for 30-60 mins just see if any ssues with my Accounts and then shut it down for the day. If I did not, then my first day back would be one big fire. By checking in I can go back to relaxing for the remainder of the day. It also give me a sense of job security.
There are many positions where you do your job during the day and once it’s over you start a new shift the next day. There is no residual responsibility from yesterday and a couple of examples would be a receptionist, Dog walker, bus driver, etc.
When you consider the positions the ladies held on our trip i’ll Bet that 80% of us checked in.