With the end of the year fast approaching, employees may be looking to take some time off.
Even if more people stay home for the holidays this year, it’s still important for them to get the quality time they need to rest, recuperate, and recharge.
As a leader, it’s important to pay attention to what your employees need and are asking for. And if they’re asking for time off, give that to them and make sure systems are in place so that work can be delegated and taken care of while they’re gone.
Plan in Advance
Ask your team to let you know ahead of time when they’re planning to put in a vacation request. It’s important to communicate and be clear about expectations so that everyone’s time can be well respected. There may be deadlines that need to be met before the end of the year, which means projects might need to be finished before an employee can take time off.
Planning allows you to give your employees the time off they need while also ensuring that company goals are met.
Stagger Schedules
When you’re managing more than one person, you’re managing more than one schedule. If everyone wants to take the same week off, try staggering schedules instead so that everyone’s not out of the office at the same time. And you always want to make sure that there’s coverage or at least a few people online if a majority of the team is out. Most companies close for a few days at the end of the year, so employees also have that time to look forward to.
Don’t Work During Time Off
It may seem counterintuitive since most teams work from home these days, but it’s important that when employees take time off, they unplug even if it’s for a staycation. Separating work life and home life has become a balance these days, but it is possible to achieve.
And when you’re able to take a step back and take time for yourself, you can be more present. Many of us function on autopilot day in and day out, and when you have a chance to step away from work, it’s an opportunity to reset.
Resources for Leaders and Teams
It’s important that all team members get a chance to take time off from work so that they can take care of their mental and physical health, as well as their emotional well-being. Pay attention to what your employees need and ask for, and help them to the best of your abilities.
The following resources are for leaders looking to help their employees:
The following are resources that may be helpful for your employees:
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Not all companies provide EAP’s, but if your company does it’s an important resource for teams and employees to use.
If you’re leading a team and you can afford to have people out, give your employees the time off that they’re asking for. It will help them return to work refreshed and feeling productive. And that’s a great way to start a new year.
Looking for support when it comes to communicating with your team? We can help.
Your employees will thank you!