How to Leave the Office Behind During a Vacation

Letting go of work and enjoying yourself on vacation may be easier described than accomplished. You'll have to learn how to leave the office behind during a vacation, however, if you want to get anything out of your time off. Early in my twenties, I would have panic attacks on vacation when I thought of a project I hadn't yet finished or a client's phone call I hadn't returned. Don't allow your work to ruin your vacation when you're supposed to be recuperating.

1- Plan Ahead

Planning is your biggest safeguard against potential problems when you go on vacation. Leaving the office behind will be easier if you know that everything has been taken care of before you head off to Cancun or Paris. During the week preceding your vacation, keep a running To-Do list of everything that needs to be accomplished in order for you to leave and check items off as you complete them.

You might also feel better if you prepare a To-Do list of things that need to be accomplished upon your return. This ensures that you won't return to chaos and that you'll have a clearly itemized schedule as soon as you get back to work.

2- Clean Your Work Area

No one likes to return from a vacation to a messy office, so take the time to organize your work area before you leave. If everything looks pristine your coworkers will be less likely to use your desk as a dumping ground for file folders, paperwork and other items. Furthermore, you'll feel better knowing that you didn't leave unfinished business buried under the piles and clutter in your office.

3- Delegate

If someone will be taking over your duties while you are on vacation, allow yourself to leave your work behind by informing him or her of pertinent information. Explain what needs to be done while you are away and make a clearly-printed list for his or her convenience. You should also give out numbers and e-mail addresses for people who can be of assistance. The last thing you want is a steady stream of phone calls while you're trying to enjoy your vacation.

4- Notify Clients

You don't want to return from vacation to a voice mail box full of angry messages from clients. Let everyone know that you will be out of the office and give a specific date on which you will return. You can also give your clients the names and phone numbers for people who can help them in a pinch. You won't be able leave the office behind during vacation if you're worried about your clients.

5- Pad Your Schedule

Even if you will be returning on Monday, your clients and colleagues don't have to know that. When setting your voice mail and e-mail vacation response, tell people that you will be returning on Tuesday. That gives you twenty-four hours to re-acclimate yourself to the office before you start receiving phone calls and e-mails again. This will give you sufficient peace of mind during vacation to leave the office behind.