Fewer executives than ever plan to take a vacation this summer, according to a new survey. With the economy struggling to recover and the continuing political and diplomatic uncertainties, a lot of people feel it’s best to work until conditions are more favorable.
But people are working longer and harder for every dollar earned. Stress levels are high as decision-makers try to maintain profitability in less than favorable conditions. Employee morale may also be low, so managers are faced with finding ways to encourage and reward employees with smaller budgets.
Then there’s the post-vacation work pile-up, which makes the idea of taking time off untenable.
But despite all of this, it’s more important than ever to take that vacation and recharge your batteries. Taking a break from the pressures of the moment can lead to fresh new ideas for handling them when you return. Clearing your mind for even a few days can help you see business problems from a different perspective, even objectively, allowing you to think of new creative solutions.
Taking the time to focus on your family is also important. All family members face their own challenges with today’s frenetic lifestyle, and slowing down can be rewarding for everyone.
And lastly, taking a vacation means you are supporting your country and its economy. Many states depend on tourism as a major source of income, and that income has dwindled substantially over the past few years. Airlines and hotels are struggling for business.
By packing up the family and heading for your favorite vacation spot, you are not only doing yourselves a favor, but the economy as well.
And that post-vacation pile-up can be reduced if you delegate (it’s not a dirty word) some of your responsibilities while you are gone. Handing off tasks to trusted employees can have long-term benefits, since it allows them to see more of what it takes to run the business and how their piece of it affects the whole picture.
So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and schedule that time off and get out of town.
You’ll be glad you did.
