Whether you’re a sole trader or the boss of many, taking a summer break away from your business can be challenging. As our illustrious leader, Tony Hobbs, Managing Director, prepares to take a three-week long trip to Australia, we’re looking at how to plan your break so you can truly enjoy your time away.
There are many reasons why some leaders never feel able to take a break from the business. They may feel that they’re protecting their team from work overload or that the business can’t function without their presence. Taking a proper holiday of two weeks or more is vital for the leader and it is empowering for their staff.
Releasing control
Contrary to popular belief, productivity and success does not fall away when you take a holiday, in fact the opposite can be true if you give your team the opportunity to develop confidence and leadership skills. With the boss away, colleagues can come out of their comfort zone and discover new capabilities. It’s all about showing trust in those you have chosen to work with, valuing their skills and giving them the opportunity to grow and be fully engaged in the business.
Set the standard
Everyone knows that holidays are important for our wellbeing and to recharge the batteries. As a business leader, show that you value time off and give team members the green light to do the same. It’s also important to properly switch off during your holiday, not constantly checking emails and phone messages. Set the expectation at work that you won’t always be available while on holiday and that you trust your team to make decisions in your absence.
A holiday framework
Set clear responsibilities for employees while you’re away and create a team that can support them. Ideally the whole staff will be familiar with each other, so everyone knows where to turn for guidance. Before you leave, set up meetings with key team members for when you return to learn what worked well and any difficulties they encountered. Also, let clients know that you will be away and who they can contact with any queries.
Robust processes
When systems and processes run smoothly, it should be easier for the boss to take a break away from the business. Taking a break will show if the leader is a bottleneck in the organisation. It’s healthier to have a management structure that doesn’t rely on one person for the system to be effective.
How long should my break be?
The ideal duration for a holiday should be at least two weeks. This might feel way too long but in fact it gives your team time to adjust and get stuck into their new responsibilities, rather than just waiting for your return.
At CRM, we want all our clients to have a successful work-life balance and we can help you to set up the systems and processes to enable this to happen. Get in touch with the friendly, approachable team for business and financial advice on 01865 379272.
