Ready, Set, Vacation!
Vacation is just around the corner—and while sun, ice cream, and beach chairs are calling your name, your mind is likely still running in overdrive: “Have I remembered everything?” Both before you leave… and when you return.
That’s why we’ve gathered a few simple, tried-and-tested tips from your professional coach in personal efficiency. No lengthy theories—just practical advice that works.
Let’s be honest: Efficiency isn’t about working harder, but about working smarter—even when you’re off the clock.
Before Vacation
✅ Wrap up ongoing tasks
• Review your task list: Make sure important tasks are either completed or scheduled in your calendar.
• Close open cases: Document completed projects/tasks so you (or others) can easily follow up later.
✅ Plan your absence
• Set up an email auto-reply: Include the dates of your absence and a contact person for urgent matters.
• Inform colleagues and/or your manager: Let them know when you’ll be away and who’s handling things in your absence.
• Delegate tasks: Create a clear handover list to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
• Tidy up your inbox: Respond to important emails, save what you want to keep, and schedule emails to handle after your return. Don’t forget to delete what you don’t need.
✅ Create a structure for your return
• Book a restart meeting—with yourself: The world doesn’t stop while you’re away. Block time to “catch up” so you can get back on track quickly.
• Write a “to do on return” list: Set out clear first steps for your comeback.
✅ Organise digitally and physically
• Tidy your workspace (both physical and digital): A clean space makes returning less stressful.
✅ Check out mentally
• Try not to leave loose ends: It gives you peace of mind before your break.
• Trust your colleagues: They’ve got this—and you deserve your break.
During Vacation
• Take your moments to reflect: What do you want or need to focus on going forward?
After Vacation
✅ Ease in and regain clarity
• Start slow on your first day: Keep it meeting-free if possible.
• Review your follow-up list: If you made one before leaving—start there!
• Clean up your inboxes: Go through your messages, prioritise what needs doing now, and schedule the rest.
• Get up to speed: Talk to colleagues, read meeting notes, and check project updates.
✅ Prioritise and plan
• Map out your week: Block time for focused work, coordination, and any meetings you need to initiate.
• Update your calendar and workspaces: Look a few weeks ahead and get on top of upcoming deadlines and appointments.
✅ Re-engage mentally
• Be patient: It’s completely normal to need a few days to get back into rhythm.
Vacation with Peace of Mind—and a Smooth Return
If you follow even a few of these steps, you’ll be doing yourself (and your colleagues) a big favour. You’ll reduce the chaos of re-entry and truly enjoy your time off without guilt. Which is kind of the point, right?
So: wrap up with style, enjoy your summer—and look forward to a return that doesn’t feel like a tidal wave of information.
Have a great vacation—and don’t forget your auto-reply and sunscreen!
We make you better at your job!