You read that right, this week in the Wylde blog we’re discussing how to not do work and effectively take some time off. We are experts in workplace design, with over thirty years of experience. In order to get the most out of your workspace, we help businesses analyse the ways in which they work and how they could work better. Ultimately, the morale, engagement and productivity of the work force is what will determine the success of the business and in order to be the very best you can be it’s crucial you learn how to switch off, rest, recuperate and nourish your ambitions, creativity and drive.
How to holiday when we’ve entered a new era of working from home or remotely. It’s really important that we take stock of how the way we work has changed in recent years and how the lines between work-life and home-life have been blurred, impacting our ability to effectively take time off. The experts’ advice is to draw up some very clear boundaries and stick to them.
We live in a world that is consistently and continuously connected, there are infinite opportunities to keep working, keep networking and keep pushing and in turn burnout is rife. At Wylde we are huge advocates for hybrid-working, remote working and flexible work arrangements which is why it’s absolutely necessary to create a pathway to a space where we can not do work for a while.
Its productive to do nothing. With a proper break employees return to work with optimism, mental clarity and resilience. Taking time off to relax literally builds and strengthens your immune system, making you more able to withstand stress. The science suggests we should in fact holiday more if we want to be more productive in the workplace, with breaks from work boosting stamina and focus significantly.
A change of pace increases creativity – distracting yourself with new surroundings, allowing yourself to wander and daydream actually aids the area of the brain associated with creative insights and innovative breakthroughs. If you need to come up with solutions, think outside of the box and brainstorm, the experts suggest some time away from the office/laptop is key.
How to really not work? Allocate time to check emails and or work-related messages and keep it short. If you really can’t stay away from the inbox it’s important you limit the amount of time you spend in work-mode. Set an out-of-office notification and if necessary hand your workload over to someone who can debrief you on affairs on your return. (There’s nothing worse than returning to confused, unhappy, impatient client chaos.)
Physically split up your work and home life – we’ve talked about created a workspace from home during the pandemic, but it’s important you create distance between you and your work-self when you’re on holiday. If possible, have a work phone and link all professional accounts and emails to this device only. Only send emails during work hours and if you really can’t switch off entirely due to responsibilities, then set specific times to check emails – twice daily maximum and only engage with emergencies and urgent professional matters.
Remember, in order to be great at what you do, you must be great at not doing what you do at times too!
