If you own a small business or “run the shop” at work, you understand the pros and cons of being your own boss. Sure, you can usually make your own hours, but along with that freedom are the realities of being an entrepreneur: responsibility, accountability, and long hours that can lead to burnout very quickly.
With everything falling squarely on your shoulders, you may not feel comfortable taking a vacation. Do not stress. Here are tips and to-dos to help the concerned entrepreneur take a much-needed rejuvenating vacation.
More blows are breaking apart
According to a 2012 survey by Robert Half Management Resources, a Menlo Park, California-based senior accounting, finance and business recruiting firm, 51 percent of CFOs said they had no or they did not plan to register. with the office at all during the holidays. That number is nearly double the percentage from a similar survey in 2010 (26 percent), and a significant increase from a 2005 study (21 percent).
Why business owners get stressed
In 2007, an American Express Small Business Monitor OPEN survey titled “Employers Skimping on Vacations” asked business owners what worries them most about being away from the office. Major concerns included:
- The fear that a client or important client will receive inadequate service
- Losing an important new business opportunity
- The staff will make a poor judgment call
- Not knowing who will run the business in your absence.
While these concerns are valid, it’s important for your physical and mental health to take a break and recharge—you’ll return with renewed creativity, energy, and enthusiasm that translate into more sales and greater enjoyment of your work.
So start planning your vacation with these tips in mind:
- Notify customers in advance and make sure they have your contact information if they need to reach you. Be sure to ask if there is anything you can handle before you leave.
- Ask a trusted colleague to be in charge while you’re away.
- Prepare your employees by discussing the potential scenarios that may arise and how they should handle them. Clarify with your staff and colleagues what situations require your immediate attention and what the team in the office can handle. If you expect to be notified of emergencies, provide a way for people to reach you quickly, such as your cell phone number.
- If you don’t plan to work on your vacation, don’t send mixed signals by checking in and returning phone calls and emails. Unless it’s an emergency, relax!
- When you return from vacation, take time to acknowledge the good work of the team, especially those who helped keep the office running smoothly in your absence. Make a note of their efforts at your next performance review.
- Take advantage of business trips outside the city by adding a few days to relax.
References:
http://rhmr.mediaroom.com/checkoutvacation
http://www.inc.com/news/briefs/200705/0518vacations.html