Your winter break is calling and it's got your name! It's important to prepare for your well-deserved break, a time to spend with loved ones and recharge for the new year ahead. No one wants to have their mind go on a juggling act between vacation and work. That's why it's essential to keep a tab on what needs to be completed. With an office checklist in hand, you'll be able to clear up any essential tasks to have a vacation free of stress. Here are five things to check off before you leave the office.
1. Prioritize and complete any pending tasks
Before you leave for that well-deserved break, you've got to make sure that there are no left over tasks that require your attention. You want to enjoy your time out of the office fully and any remaining responsibilities will turn to worries if incomplete. Make a list of all your obligations and prioritize completing them based on their urgency and importance. Then again, any loose ends that aren't completed may be handed over to your colleague if they're able to take on the task comfortably. Once you've wrapped up any pending projects and duties, you've given yourself a clean slate to come back to after your break. Finish with no stress, no worries and with a sense of accomplishment and mental clarity.
2. Setting clear expectations and deadlines
Communication is key to avoid any misunderstandings with your clients or colleagues while you're on break. Let your team know well in advance about your absence to ensure that everyone is aware, leaving any confusion out the window. Sometimes you may be feeling confident about taking on bigger projects a week or two before your leave. However, that decision may take a big bite out of your workflow and disrupt other responsibilities. Therefore, it's important to understand what you're able to take on and establish realistic deadlines. If there are any team projects that you're a part of, make sure to inform those that are directly impacted to give them adequate time to plan. Give them the necessary information they may need for the project and ensure they're informed about their needs being addressed upon your return, you should be all set to go enjoy yourself!
3. Create an out-of-office email and update your voicemail
Following up from our previous tip, you can inform clients and team members about your absence by creating an out-of-office email and updating your voicemail. Both should include information about your return date, an alternative contact person and a brief description. Throw some flair in there as well! It doesn't have to be a boring message. Add a personal touch, get creative and sprinkle in some year-end cheer to leave a lasting impression. Once your email and voicemail are all set, pat yourself on the back because you've just avoided a bunch of unnecessary emails and calls! The transition from vacation to work just became a lot smoother.
4. Organize your workspace
Let's not leave an eye sore on your workspace before escaping to your vacation. A cluttered desk can add to your stress, especially when you return from the break. Take some time to declutter and organize your area by disposing of any unnecessary items, filing away documents and briefly giving your items a nice clean wipe. You're going to feel better about your personal space and become even more productive. If you've been part of collaborative projects, your team members will appreciate the ease of finding what they need on your desk rather than having to embark on a scavenger hunt (which can be fun at times, but not when there are deadlines to meet).
5. Update your calendar and task lists
The last thing you should tackle before entering vacation mode is updating your current calendar and to-do list. A well-maintained calendar gives you a birds eye view of your schedule, making it easier for both you and your team to manage expectations regarding your availability. This overview will help simplify communication and may help remind you of any upcoming meetings after you come back. Just as important is to make sure that your tasks are up-to-date and prioritized in order from urgent to least important. This will ensure that you're not forgetting any assignments before you leave and that after you'll be right back on track. Moreover, for any recurring tasks that are integral in your regular workflow, consider utilizing software to automate and schedule these tasks. This can be scheduling posts on social media or sending out newsletters which helps maintain a consistent online presence and keeps your audience engaged.
Now that you've taken care of all your duties at work, it's also important to note that you should mentally transition after your shift is over. Just because the checklist is complete, doesn't mean you should leave your mind hanging. Take care of your mental well-being by creating a checklist of your personal errands. Address responsibilities that need your attention ranging from paying bills and scheduling appointments to wrapping up any outstanding chores. Don't forget that your break is also a time for relaxation and self-care. By completing this checklist, your work worries are set aside and you can enjoy your well-deserved time off without lingering obligations.
Author: Gary Wong
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