On the Job by Anita Bruzzese Can Your Workplace Survive if You Take a Vacation

On the Job by Anita Bruzzese Can Your Workplace Survive if You Take a Vacation Did you know that the world will fall apart if you take a vacation this year? Thats right stop spinning on its axis. The oceans will run dry and the birds will fall by the thousands out of the trees. OK, that sounds ridiculous. But we sometimes get so caught up in our own work we truly believe that we cant take time away. So, we put our shoulders to the wheel, getting more stressed and less productive every day. And, even those who do manage to pack the bags and head for some time away often lug with them their computer, Blackberry, phone and files. Specifically, vacation time not only allows your body to physically relax and recharge, which is critical to your long-term health, but it also allows you to become more valuable to your employer.A new CareerBuilder survey finds that 56 percent of 4,800 workers surveyed report they need some time off now more than they have in the last several years. As the economy has slowly improved and there's less worry about being laid off, 36 percent say they feel more at ease taking vacation time than they did last year. Now that its clear that taking vacation is critical for you not only personally and professionally, lets look at ways to make you not only feel better about taking the time away, but to make sure the world doesnt crumble in your absence: Communicate. Several weeks before you leave, make sure everyone knows that youll be gone. Remind your boss of your vacation, and let clients and co-workers know how long you will be gone. Meet with colleagues who will be covering your job and leave them important phone numbers, e-mails and any deadlines. Ask co-workers and your boss what they need from you before you leave, which will hopefully cut down on the need to contact you during vacation. Establish boundaries. Sometimes its not possible to be completely away from work, but dont be too readily available. If you must, tell your office you will chec k in at a certain time each day (tell them youll be out of cell phone or Internet range), and then stick to it. Also, set a time limit on how much you will work, such as 30 minutes a day. Invest in your vacation. Some people fall into the trap of not taking a vacation or working on vacation because they think the time away is boring or a waste of time. But only when you clear your mind of your usual clutter do you become open to new ideas and let your creativity flow. Doing something totally different from your everyday life is what recharges your batteries and makes you even more valuable when you return to work. Keep telling yourself that staring at the ocean is a good thing, and another ride on that rollercoaster is an investment in your career. If you dont play, you pay. Americans get the least amount of vacation days a year with 14 days (France gets 37 days, Great Britain gets 26 days), but surveys show that Americans leave an average of three days unused. Bu t studies have also shown that vacations can reduce stress that often leads to health problems. And, by enjoying time away, you return better able to cope with the mental and physical demands of a workplace that operates in a 24/7 global climate. Finally, dont sabotage your own vacation. Arrive back home a day or two early to just do laundry, sort through your mail and newspapers and stock the refrigerator. This will help ease your transition back into your daily routine and not make the first day of work seem so overwhelming. And remember, when you go back to work, take a small memento of your time away and put it where you can see it. That way, youll remember that it was all worth it and take another vacation when it comes time.Are you taking time off this year? Why or why not?Social Bookmarking