Taking an Extended Break: it’s a Good Idea

I am back from what was one of my longest vacations ever, north of three weeks. And I learned a lot! While it’s quite common in Europe, I never really experienced that in Asia.

In today’s fast-paced business environment, the idea of taking an extended break might seem counterintuitive, especially for managers. However, stepping away from the daily grind with the right planning can offer numerous benefits, not just for the individual but also for the organization.

Enhanced Productivity and Reduced Burnout

The most obvious one. Continuous work without adequate rest can lead to burnout and decreased productivity. Taking an extended break allows managers to recharge their mental and physical batteries. The demands of managing a team can be stressful. An extended break offers a much-needed respite, helping to reduce stress levels. For the organization, it’s a great way to reduce turnover.

Resetting Mental Bandwidth

After being promoted in a very fast-growing company, it’s a common trap to try to work two full-time jobs in the firm: one as a manager, the other as an individual contributor. While it’s necessary in the short term and during the transition period, it’s just not sustainable. Since it was carefully planned, an extended break forced me to wrap various projects and delegate to my team.

Sending a Positive Signal

Many, many companies are boasting about a work-life balance which often happens to be an empty promise once you start working there. When managers take breaks, it sets a positive and concrete example. It signals that the organization values work-life balance, which can boost employee morale and engagement.

Promoting Trust

I am not a micromanager (that's probably what a micromanager would say). Empowering your team to work and make decision without you for three weeks can however be scary. What if they can't work without you? Even worst, what if you're actually not needed? It has to be somewhere in-between. They should feel confident enough to tackle most of the work but know to ask for help from my peers when I am not available. In a way, that's the best stress test for a succession plan.

Opportunity for Personal Growth

Time away from work can be an opportunity for personal growth and development. Managers can use this time to pursue hobbies, learn new skills, or simply reflect on their life. I am an avid reader, and I was very happy to catch up on my reading backlog.

Conclusion

Taking an extended break as a manager is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity for maintaining high performance and overall well-being. By prioritizing rest and rejuvenation, managers can return to their roles with greater clarity, creativity, and resilience. This not only benefits them personally but is probably contributing to the overall success of the company. So, if you’re a manager feeling the weight of your responsibilities, consider taking that much-needed break. Your future self will thank you.