If you are a small business owner or “run the business” at work, you understand the ins and outs of being your own boss. Sure, you can usually make your own hours, but along with that freedom is the reality of being an entrepreneur – responsibility, accountability, and long hours that can lead to burnout very quickly.
With everything falling squarely on your shoulders, you may be uncomfortable taking a vacation. Do not stress. Here are tips and to-dos to help the concerned entrepreneur take a rejuvenating and much-needed vacation.
More bosses are escaping
According to a 2012 survey by Robert Half Management Resources, a top-tier accounting, finance, and business recruiting firm based in Menlo Park, California, 51 percent of chief financial officers (CFOs) said they had no or they did not plan to register. with the office at all times during the holidays. That number is nearly double the percentage in a similar survey in 2010 (26 percent), and it is significantly higher than a 2005 study (21 percent).
Why Business Owners Get Stressed
In 2007, an American Express Small Business Monitor OPEN survey titled “Employers Who Skimp on Vacation” asked business owners what worries them most about being out of the office. The main concerns included:
- The fear that an important customer or client will receive inadequate service.
- Missing an important new business opportunity
- Staff will make a poor decision
- Not knowing who will run the business in your absence.
While these concerns are valid, it is important for your physical and mental health to take a break and re-energize; You will return with renewed creativity, energy and enthusiasm that should translate into more sales and greater enjoyment of your work.
So, start planning your vacation with these tips in mind:
- Notify customers in advance and make sure they have your contact information if they need to reach you. Be sure to ask if there is anything you can handle before you leave.
- Ask a trusted colleague to be in charge while you are away.
- Prepare your employees by discussing the possible scenarios that may arise and how they should handle them. Clarify with your staff and colleagues what situations require your immediate attention and what the team can handle in the office. If you expect to be notified of emergencies, please provide a way for people to contact you quickly, such as your cell phone number.
- If you’re not planning to work while on vacation, don’t send mixed signals when checking in and returning phone calls and emails. Unless it’s an emergency, relax!
- When you return from vacation, take time to acknowledge the good work of the team, especially those who helped keep the office running smoothly in your absence. Take note of your efforts at your next performance review.
- Take advantage of business trips out of town by adding a few days to relax.
References:
http://rhmr.mediaroom.com/checkoutvacation
http://www.inc.com/news/briefs/200705/0518vacations.html