You’ve planned your dream holiday and are counting the days until you close your laptop, hang up your work clothes and disconnect from work. But how do you totally switch off when you leave the workplace and avoid spending time worrying about things you left unfinished? New research from Glassdoor finds that staff struggle to disconnect from work when on holiday.
There’s nothing worse than leaving your colleagues in the lurch while you go off and enjoy an overseas jaunt, as it’s both unfair on them and will result in disarray when you come back! A work handover is one of the most important aspects of preparing for a holiday, so we’ve put together a checklist to make sure everything runs smoothly while you’re away.
1, Make a list of your weekly tasks (monthly, if on an extended break).
During the week before you go away, make a note of all the recurring tasks that must be done from Monday to Friday, in order of priorities. Remember, your colleagues aren’t going to complete your role in its entirety, so make sure that you highlight priorities and don’t include tasks that can wait until you’re back. By making this list as you go through the week, you’ll avoid putting yourself under any unnecessary stress before you leave and are unlikely to miss anything important.
2. Create step-by-step instructions for complicated processes
If there are any specific processes to be followed, make sure you supply detailed instructions. If possible, make a list of these processes and find time to sit down with the person taking over to talk them through it. Where possible, use screengrabs or even record your screen while you go through the process to ensure the task will be done properly.
Alongside a breakdown of the priority tasks and processes to be undertaken, it’s important that you provide as much information as possible. This section should contain names and details of anyone externally who may be in contact regarding a project and any issues you can foresee that your team should be aware of.
3. Review with your colleagues
If there’s time, sit down and go through your job handover with your team so they can ask you any questions. Also, it’s important that they know what will be expected of them, so this chat will alleviate any undue stress or fears around what they must complete.
Following the above tips will enable you to leave your laptop in the office and embrace the freedom and relaxation that a holiday has to offer. On return you will be refreshed and ready to pick up where you left off.
For more ideas: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/10-helpful-hints-writing-handover-laura-earle/
Happy holidays!