I just returned from a week of unplugging in beautiful Central Oregon, where I enjoyed the perfect weather, played golf, and read a few books while I lounged poolside. I feel incredibly blessed to work for a company with a flexible PTO policy that truly encourages employees to take time off to recharge. ☀️
We often hear about how to prepare for time off, but the challenge of transitioning back to work after PTO is rarely discussed. ➡️ Here are some of my strategies to ease back into the workflow while maintaining that refreshed and rejuvenated feeling:
📸 Make it Fun: Upon returning from PTO, I send a note to all my customers and key team members to let them know I’m back. I share a few photos (see attached) and highlights from my trip, and ask if there’s anything immediate they need my help with. Sharing photos is a fantastic way to build relationships—plus, it encourages others to share their own highlights when they return from PTO!
📧 Block Time: Reserve the first hour of your return day to catch up on emails. Having this dedicated time allows me to sort through my inbox, prioritize tasks, and address any urgent matters without feeling rushed. I'm happy to report my inbox wasn't nearly as scary as I had thought it would be!
📅 Review Your Calendar: Check your upcoming meetings and deadlines as soon as you’re back. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure you have enough time to catch up and prepare adequately. A team member had scheduled a meeting with me before I had fully caught up. I asked if we could shift slightly and he was more than happy to accommodate. It never hurts to ask!
✅ Prioritize and Delegate: Before diving into tasks, take a few moments to assess what needs immediate attention and what can wait. Delegate tasks that others can handle, so you can focus on what's most critical.
☕ Reconnect with Your Team: Spend some time catching up with your team members. This can be a quick coffee chat or a team meeting where everyone shares updates. It helps re-establish connections and ensures you're up to speed on any changes.
I'd love to hear from you! What are some strategies you use to ease back into the swing of things after time away? 🤔
A big thank you to Juniper Preserve for the hospitality and to my team members, Stephanie Morris, Samantha P., Rebekah Jackson, Nisha Pundir and Gretchen Schwartz, who stepped up to keep things moving while I was out.
#PTO #OOTO #TimeOff #FlexiblePTO #SummerTravel
