Four things professionals should do before taking a holiday
Make sure you have everything in place before you put your feet up and truly relax.
The end of the year is in sight – another milestone with a well-deserved break on the cards.
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Before you run off to the nearest beach or bush escape, there are a few things to take care of before you close your laptop and set your 'Out of Office' reply. No one wants to leave for the holidays with that nagging feeling they've forgotten to turn off the stove or lock the front door.
Penquin Marketing Agency's Business Unit Director Neill Robertson shares some tips professionals should consider before switching off for the holiday season.
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Being informed
First and foremost, notify your key contacts about your planned closing period. Start with your clients, as they need to plan their projects around your absence. It's best to let them know as soon as possible to avoid the last-minute rush.
Next, make sure your staff is aware of the closing dates to allow for leave planning. If your business will operate with a skeleton crew, be sure to include this information in your notice to clients.
Lastly, check with your suppliers about their holiday schedules and factor those dates into your planning. Check that no deliveries are scheduled during your closing period.
As a reminder to all clients and suppliers, ensure all staff have detailed closing information on their OOO. Be sure to include an alternative contact for any urgent matters based on the resource schedule you developed for the closing period. Don’t forget to update your website and mailing address with this information.
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Wrapping up
Do a detailed review of your current projects and tasks to determine which should be carried over to the new year and which need to be prioritised for completion before you close up for the holidays. If your business will operate with a skeleton staff, ensure timely and detailed handovers for any tasks that need to be managed in your absence.
Plan and outline key tasks for your return after the holidays. The first week back is often spent settling in and planning, so having a clear list of priorities in place before your break will help you use your time more effectively.
Finally, ensure you have sufficient resource allocation for the tasks that will carry over into the new year, as some staff may only return in the second or third week.
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The office
Returning to that forgotten stove – when you close your office, you want peace of mind that everything will be as is when you return. Take the time to do the necessary checks to ensure your office is holiday-ready. These include a server data backup, ensuring that any office plants are tended to during the holidays, giving your kitchen a spring clean, and clearing it of anything that might greet you with a smell after the holidays.
Double-check that all security and safety systems are in good working order and that your security provider is aware of your closing period. A useful tip to boost security is to set timers for your office lights and request unscheduled check-ins from your security provider.
While the shorter month of December often means less revenue, you can combat the loss by ensuring your electricity bill remains as low as possible by switching off non-essential appliances, such as computers, monitors, TVs, printers, air conditioners and printers.
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Reflecting and looking ahead
As the work year winds down and the festive season sets in, it's the perfect time to reflect on the past and gain fresh insights into how we can improve or approach our businesses differently in the year ahead. Use this time to reflect, learn, and set new goals for the new year – and be sure to include your staff in the process. Their buy-in helps create a shared vision and drives collective effort.
Once you've established your new direction, use the final few days to set yourself up for success. Map out the steps needed to reach your goals, and see if there are any tasks you can begin before officially winding down.
And of course, don’t forget to unwind during your holiday. Whether it’s reconnecting with loved ones or finally diving into that book you’ve been meaning to read, make sure you get the rest and recharge you need.
After all, no one wants to return to a new year with regrets over a wasted holiday.
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