Written by Lynne Richardson, Dean, UMW College of Business
There are many types of vacations. Some people take vacations and go, go, go. They travel from place to place (as in cities or countries), with the people they’re meeting and experiences they’re enjoying becoming one big blur. Or similarly, maybe a trip to Disney World is the perfect vacation. It’s not what one would call relaxing, but its fun.
Others like to challenge themselves by hiking, camping, or enjoying extreme sports. Their time away is both physically and mentally challenging.
At the other end of that spectrum, of course, is the beach trip. Every day is spent enjoying toes in the sand. Perhaps they plant themselves under an umbrella or tent, but they’re on the beach, staring at the water. Many books are read during beach vacations unless, of course, there are small children to be monitored. Then the vacation is not quite as relaxing!
The ‘staycation’ has become popular in recent years. As costs to travel rise, many realize there are many fun things to do and see locally. Essentially these people become tourists in their backyard.
At the end of the day though, vacations are a necessity for employees to maintain their sanity! Organizations give annual leave or paid time off or whatever it is called at your work for a reason. Managers know that refilling an employee’s tank is important! We work so much (some more hours weekly than others, of course) and need to time to recharge our batteries. Getting away does that for us.
And the other thing we must do
while on vacation is unplug from our work electronics. OK, while I know this is challenging for many of us (I am guilty here), staying connected to what’s going on in the office is not helping us recharge! Do everything you can in advance of vacation to prepare your coworkers for your absence. And then leave! Few decisions must be made while you’re away. And respect your coworkers by not interrupting their vacations too.
But take your vacation! And whatever it looks like, enjoy it.
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