Many people not born into the business world start their businesses thinking of all the free time they’ll have to go on vacations and relax with their families and friends. Soon, the horrid reality sets in. Working for oneself and as a manager means many hours and little time off. Sometimes, there isn’t any money for a vacation. 

However, taking a vacation is good for your health and increases your productivity at work. So, when and how can you take a vacation when you’re the owner or a manager and the buck stops with you? And, how do you ensure that work carries on effectively without you?

In this blog post, we’ll look at a few important considerations to ensure your vacation is stress-free. 

Plan Your Vacation Timing Thoughtfully

The first thing is timing. As best you can, see whether you can plan for your vacation at the beginning of the year rather than on a moment’s notice. What does this look like? 

Look at your calendar and make some predictions about the busy seasons, high- or low-revenue months, and other obligations, then select a time and duration that fits into that.

If you plan a vacation right after a busy season, you may be dealing with the fallout of the busy season or thinking about work too much to relax. Instead, plan your vacation a week or so after the busy season and several weeks before the next one if possible.

Plan for off-seasons and book flights between Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays to save money. 

Ensure Team and Client Coverage

Another consideration is coverage. Ensure all team members know you will be going on vacation and plan for your absence so that your clients experience a seamless customer experience.

Speak with the person taking over for you well ahead of time to ensure they will not be overwhelmed doing your work. Let your clients know you’ll be going on vacation and what they can expect in your absence, including whom to contact.

This ensures that, for the most part, when people receive the vacation notice in your email and voicemail, they are not surprised or left stranded.  

Create a Vacation Policy (Yes, Even for Yourself)

A third consideration is creating a Vacation Policy that outlines some of the things mentioned in this blog post. Even if you are a solo business owner, there may come a time when you need to hire, and having this document already written will go a long way in creating less confusion around time off.

In your Vacation Policy, be clear about:

• The maximum number of paid days off according to length of service (most information can be retrieved from provincial government websites).  
• State obligations around taking time off, such as whether voicemail messages and email vacation notifiers should be updated.
• What happens if someone extends their vacation or runs out of paid time?
• Can one take a vacation right before their resignation date, and is that paid out?

Considering the above helps create smoother vacation days at work because everyone is on the same page, clients know what to expect, and your team members know what to do in your absence. You can rest easy knowing you’ve done what you could at work and with your team members.

Evaluate  and Adjust After Each Vacation

After each vacation, and a little time has passed, review your protocols and see whether they are still working for you or whether tweaks are required.

For example, one should build in a day or two as buffer days for the unexpected, such as flight changes or a plan for how to work and what to work on if flight changes mean staying longer than intended at the destination. 

Yes, a Stress-Free Vacation Is Possible

A stress-free vacation is possible, but as you’ll see, it does require forethought and planning. While a lot can and does happen outside your control, ensure you take care of what is within your control for a better overall outcome.  

When you take the time to plan, communicate, and document, you’re not only supporting your own well-being – you’re also building a healthier and more resilient business.

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Julia Katsivo Carter is the founder of Successful & Smart Business Coaching, where she helps business owners and their teams increase productivity and revenue. www.successfulandsmart.com