Does The Office Need A Vacation From You?

August usually marks the end of summer vacation as we know it. It’s time to get the kids ready to go back to school, attempt to adjust back to our normal schedules and time to bid the bathing suits, barbecue grills and the fond memories of summer farewell.

Most of us can’t wait for some summer R&R; even those who don’t have enough PTO find ways to take some time. We come and go throughout the months of June, July and August; taking days here and there. So if most of us enjoy this, why is it that the ones who NEED to take a vacation, don’t? I’m talking about the work-alcoholic who would work ½ day on their wedding day; the one who comes to work in a wheelchair immediately after leaving the hospital from foot surgery; I mean the one who send you work-related emails at 11pm on Saturday night!

Vacations are two-part, they give you a break from the office and the office a break from you. When you don’t take a vacation, you’re robbing your co-workers of their vacation from you. We all need a work-life balance to be successful. My experience has shown that those with all the PTO in the world and the money to actually take a decent trip are the ones who never do. I remember hinting for my boss to visit some remote desert island, far away from the Verizon network; far away from any internet tower and television for that matter; but it didn’t happen, he went to Florida… for 3 days instead of the 14 that he promised!

My message to those who put in for an entire week off but come in on the third day and work the rest of the week is simple…. “YOU MAY NOT NEED A VACATION, BUT THE OFFICE NEEDS A VACATION FROM YOU!” Step away from the keyboard, slowly set the phone down, put the Blackberry in the air and exit the building! Don’t stop pass the fax machine, don’t pass go, don’t collect $200. I know, I know the phone is ringing; it could be important, walk away I beg you, walk away. You pay Florence to answer the phones, she can handle this; just get in the elevator and press “P” for parking and don’t look back; you can do it, go, I’m begging you!

If you use less than 25% of your vacation time every year, this message is for you; please take some time for yourself; if not for you, then think about those back at the office!

Happy Trails,

Corporate Diva