| An important part of having a healthy work/life | | | | clutter. If your desk is clear, coworkers will probably |
| balance is being able to take a vacation from time to | | | | be less likely to dump a new folder or paperwork on |
| time without being stressed about work. But these | | | | it as a welcome-back present. |
| days it’s more common than ever to see people | | | | 3. Delegate important tasks. If a coworker will be |
| bringing work along on a family vacation that should | | | | taking over your duties while you’re out, set up |
| be spent relaxing and recharging. | | | | a training day before you leave to ensure they know |
| Vacations are meant to be a time where employees | | | | how to handle things. Print out a list of tasks and |
| can catch up with family and friends, in order to | | | | important information if that makes it any easier. |
| return to work with a full set of recharged batteries. | | | | 4. Keep an open calendar. Don’t schedule |
| Taking a truly relaxing vacation will have anyone | | | | anything for the day you return to work. Yes, you |
| returning to work more productive than before they | | | | may be ready to jump right back in, but it may do |
| left. | | | | little more than stress you out. If you’re worried |
| Vacation is a time to relax, so keep work at work. | | | | about anyone scheduling anything while you’re |
| Follow these five tips to ensure that work | | | | gone, schedule a day-long meeting with yourself. |
| doesn’t ruin your vacation and stays back at | | | | 5. Ditch the laptop. And leave your Blackberry behind, |
| your desk: | | | | too. Even if you don’t plan on doing work over |
| 1. Have a plan. Let everyone on your team know | | | | vacation, the temptation may be too much to handle. |
| when you’re leaving and how long you’ll be | | | | Your family and friends will thank you for this one. |
| gone. Complete as much work as you can before | | | | For the sake of you and your coworkers, leave |
| you’re scheduled to leave. Make sure at least | | | | work at work this summer and keep it out of your |
| one of your team members has a copy of all the | | | | vacation. You’ll return more energized and |
| important information they may need in your | | | | stress-less than you were before going on vacation. |
| absence. | | | | Know that disconnecting is good for everyone |
| 2. Leave a clear desk. Ensure that you return to | | | | involved - you, your family, friends and coworkers. |
| work relaxed by leaving your desk free and clear of | | | | |