The summer survival guide: balancing productivity and wellbeing for employers, plus how we can truly unplug
August has arrived, and as Cliff Richard famously sang, "We’re all going on a summer holiday!" While this time of year offers a much-deserved break from the daily grind, it also introduces a whole host of challenges for the workplace as, after all, the demands of the working world don’t take a holiday, even if we do.
In this blog, I’ll dive into why taking time off is essential for mental health, explore strategies for leaders on how to survive when your team is out of office, and share tips on how you can make the most of your own time off.
Why is taking time off so important?
The Mental Health Foundation’s "Rethinking Rest" report (2024) highlights numerous key benefits of enjoying a well-deserved break, such as:
Reducing stress and anxiety
Improving mood
Decreasing blood pressure
Providing chronic pain relief
Boosting immune health
Strengthening the cardiovascular system
Enhancing critical thinking
Increasing empathy and compassion
Improving problem-solving skills
Sparking fresh creativity
Yet, even the concept of taking time off can sometimes feel counterproductive - we’ve all been there. You spend weeks putting in extra hours to get ahead and prepping handover documents, only to come back, fully rested, to 300+ emails and a mountain of work. Over the years, I’ve heard many colleagues say “It’s more hassle than it’s worth!”.
So it’s perhaps not surprising that not everyone uses their full holiday entitlement.
According to Access People HR (2024) annual leave taken across the UK has dropped by 7.67% from 2022 to 2023. Across the pond, the U.S. Travel Association in 2018 found that there were 768 million days of unused holiday time and more than 30% of it was completely forfeited (cited in Harvard Business Review, 2023).
Now, why is this such a big deal? Well…
Mental Health UK (2024) found that 1 in 5 workers had to take time off due to poor mental health caused by workplace stress and managers aren’t immune, either - with over 53% reporting experiencing burnout (Microsoft, 2022). which can spiral and very negatively impact companies - read my blog ‘The Business Case for Wellbeing’ to learn more about this.
So it’s important for workers and leaders to recognise the true value of taking time out. Next time you consider skipping that holiday or postponing a mental health day, remember that time out is not just about not working- it’s about safeguarding mental health and coming back more refreshed, creative, and effective.
However, despite the clear benefits for both the individual and the organisation, having people off isn’t always that straightforward for leaders and employers to navigate. In particular, it can often be challenging to organise cover, sustain work productivity, and manage teams during absences.
So, how can leaders weather the storm?
Leaders must find a delicate balance between encouraging their team to fully switch off and ensuring work progresses smoothly. It might feel chaotic, but with the right approach, maintaining both team morale and productivity is possible.
Here are some practical tips:
Plan for Cover - Anticipate peak periods well ahead and ensure adequate cover. This might involve cross-training team members or hiring temporary support to maintain continuity.
Set Clear Expectations - Clearly communicate tasks and deadlines. Setting realistic goals helps manage stress and keeps everyone aligned.
Leverage Technology - Utilise tools and platforms that facilitate remote work and collaboration, making it easier to maintain productivity even when team members take staggered breaks.
Recognise and Reward - Acknowledge the hard work and dedication of your team during busy times. Recognition can significantly boost morale and motivation.
Encourage Flexibility and Trust - Allow flexibility in how and when work is completed. Trust your team to manage their time effectively and be understanding if adjustments are needed.
These tips highlight how to create space for annual leave within an organisation, but there's another side to consider - truly disconnecting during that time off. Whether you're an employee or a leader, it's so important to hit that “off” button and leave work behind. But, how do we do this?
How to fully switch “off”
In our hyper-connected world, it can be challenging to truly disconnect from work and fully immerse yourself in your time off.
Whether you're jetting off to a tropical destination or enjoying a staycation at home, it's essential to take some time for yourself, resist that temptation to check in and truly relax.
Here are some tips to help you switch off and make the most of your time away:
Set boundaries before you go - Before you begin your leave, communicate your plans with colleagues and clients. Let them know your availability - or lack thereof - during your time off. Clearly define who will be handling your responsibilities in your absence and set up any necessary out-of-office notifications. This will help manage expectations and ensure that work continues smoothly without you.
Plan your handover - A well-prepared handover document can be invaluable. Include essential information, key contacts, and detailed instructions for any ongoing projects. This will not only help your team manage without you but also give you peace of mind knowing that everything is in order. Prepare and discuss this ahead of your last day in the office to avoid stress and misunderstandings.
Limit access to work tools - To truly disconnect, consider uninstalling or disabling work-related apps like email and messaging apps on your phone. If you must stay somewhat connected, set specific times to check emails or messages. This way, you can handle any urgent issues without being constantly tethered to your devices.
Embrace a ‘digital detox’ - Consider a digital detox as part of your break. Reduce screen time by keeping your phone out of reach or setting it to airplane mode during certain hours. This can help you focus on the present and fully enjoy your time off.
Be present with your companions - Whether you’re spending time with family, and friends, or enjoying some solitude, being present is key. Engage in meaningful conversations, try new activities, and savour quality time away from the daily grind.
Ease back into work - As your leave comes to an end, don't rush back into your full workload. Consider scheduling a day to catch up on emails and slowly transition back into work mode. This gradual approach can help you retain the benefits of relaxation and clarity you've gained during your break.
By setting clear boundaries, disconnecting from work, and being mindful, you can truly make the most of your time off. Remember, the ultimate goal is to recharge and refresh. So, give yourself permission to relax and enjoy your well-deserved break.
While these tips provide a solid foundation, I understand that it's often easier said than done! If you feel overwhelmed or unsure about how to proceed, don't hesitate to reach out for further support. I'm here to provide guidance and resources to support your journey toward promoting mental health and wellbeing in your organisation.
I’m Miriam and I run Reasonful - we offer support to small and medium-sized businesses that are typically facing challenges of rapid growth, talent retention, fast-paced work and constant pressure to deliver results, all whilst wanting to support long-term employee mental health and wellbeing.
We offer mental health workshops, mindfulness classes, wellbeing strategy support and bespoke programmes.
Sign up for our FREE Guide to Building and Sustaining a Culture of Wellbeing to get started today. Click here to find out more.
Or, book a no-obligation 20-minute call to learn more about unleashing your team's potential through strategic mental health initiatives here.