By Caroline M.L. Potter, Yahoo! HotJobs
Summer vacations -- or vacations taken at any time of year -- are good for business. Workers get to recharge their batteries with rest and relaxation, and their employers usually reap the benefits. But no matter how much you love your job and how much you unwind on your vacation, you still may feel anxious about your initial return to work.
Why? Blame it on a backlog. According to a survey from The Creative Group, one-third of respondents claimed to dread getting back to the daily grind because of "the work awaiting their return." However, half of those surveyed admitted that vacations made them feel happy and refreshed. So how can you keep your post-vacation afterglow upon reentry to the professional world? Use the following tips to reduce the work that will accumulate in your absence and enjoy the lasting effects of your time away.
Help Someone Else Step Up
Do you know someone who's waiting for an opportunity to spread her wings? Maybe a junior team member or an assistant has been chomping at the bit for a chance to move up. "High-potential employees who are being considered for management roles may welcome the chance to prove themselves while their supervisors are away," says Megan Slabinski, executive director of The Creative Group.
To help your new protege be most effective, she advises professionals to "ensure their second-in-command understands the resources available and has a good framework for making decisions." Take time to bring your charge up to speed so she will succeed in your stead.
Spread the Word
You can put out fires and lessen your load while you're out of town with the push of a button (or two). "Leave outgoing messages on your email and voicemail to let others know you are away and whom to contact in your absence," Slabinski says. Not only will this immediately direct people to connect with your newly named second-in-command, but it will also "reduce the number of calls and messages you must attend to on your return," she says.
In Case of Emergency
If there's a pressing issue or pending deal that you need to be involved with even if you're away, say so. Addressing a problem as it arises could save you time and heartache when you're back at work. "Clearly communicate if and when you want to be contacted about business matters while you're away to help minimize disruptions and ensure a peaceful break," Slabinski says. Setting boundaries ahead of time will make sure you're not being bothered unnecessarily.
Hire Extra Help
You're probably not the only person in your department or even on your team who's taking a vacation this summer. So why not make life easier for everyone by bringing in some hired guns on a temporary basis?
"Hiring freelancers to augment your team during staff vacations can prevent remaining employees from becoming overburdened," Slabinski says. It will also minimize the work awaiting you upon your return.