How To Take A Holiday When You Run A Small Business

Running your own business is rewarding, but also challenging. It calls for long hours, especially if you’re just starting out, and involves a lot of creativity. If you’ve been browsing any recent articles, you’ll already know that this is the burnout era. We’re spending more hours at work than at home, and sleep is a luxury.

But taking a vacation is even more of a luxury. Those who have tried will tell you that you may well become anxious wondering what is happening to your business while you’re away.

Signs that you need a holiday

If you’re reading this and think you’re fine without the break, chances are you probably need one. According to experts, these are the signs that you need a holiday:

Every problem seems challenging

If your mental health is great, you’ll be able to handle the daily challenges of running a business. However, if you’re really stressed out, the challenges start to become overwhelming. This could mean taking more time to complete tasks, forgetting some things on your to-do list, and your work quality may be affected.

People are constantly checking up on you

Surely this is a good thing, and people ask because they’re polite. However, if people close to you are constantly checking in, it’s probably because they’re genuinely concerned. They may have picked up that you are looking more tired than usual, that you look worried, and perhaps don’t seem like yourself.

Negative mindset

Small business owners are usually rearing to go in the mornings. So, if you’re struggling to get out of bed, you may be losing your sense of motivation. This has a negative impact on your mood, and your job, and could spill over into your personal life.

Your physical wellbeing

If you’re working too hard, you may develop bad habits, like not eating well or not getting enough sleep. These may well impact your physical wellbeing, which could lead to recurring illness and constant exhaustion. You’re also likely struggling to fall asleep, and/or stay asleep, if you’re not taking proper care of yourself.

Work becomes part of your life

Running your small business can command up to 75% or more of your personal life. Maintaining a sound work/life balance is important for both your mental and physical health, which could be negatively affected if you are bringing work home and not making time for family and friends, or for yourself.

Taking a stress-free holiday

If all of the above signs seem familiar, then it’s time to consider taking a holiday. If the thought of taking some time off stresses you out, there are a few things you can do to prepare before you fully unplug and whisk yourself away.

Use the slow season to your advantage

Depending on the nature of your business, use the slow season to take a trip. Most businesses tend to slow down during the festive season. People are spending more time with their families, which may mean your business can shut down for a few days. Also, book your holiday well in advance, because leaving it to the last minute could just cause you more stress.

The number of days you take depends on you. If you want to take 14 days, then go ahead. Even a 4-day getaway should suffice to help recharge your batteries.

Communicate your dates

Once confirmed, it’s time to communicate your dates to clients, co-workers, and suppliers. It’s key  to let everyone know in advance when you will leave, and when you’ll be back. This means constant reminders in email messaging, social media, and on your website. The more reminders, the more assured they’ll be that all services will continue while you’re away. Also, a sense of urgency is subtly created for clients to get what they need from you before you take off.

Select your ‘person in charge’

Part of the planning process includes handing over some of your duties. Who do you hand them over to? Someone you trust. This person is essentially your second-in-command. It’s a scary prospect, but delegating your work could also help with workload in the future, once you return from your holiday. The individual you select should have ample knowledge of how the business is run.

Plan well

Being fully prepared means that all your tasks should be done a day before you’re set to leave. This means tying up all loose ends, and making sure that nothing is left hanging.  If there is uncertainty about something, the second-in-charge should be able to pick up and run with that

Check in if your must

While the goal is to unplug, we know that you’ll want to know how things are at the office. For short while, allow yourself to enter ‘work mode’. Allocate an hour for the person you’ve left in charge to contact you to catch you up on what is happening at the office. Make it clear that you’ll be available for one hour only before re-entering ‘vacation mode’.

Why taking a holiday can benefit your small business

Taking a holiday while running a business may be daunting, and you’re possibly thinking that it’s selfish. It’s not. Taking a break could benefit your mental and physical health, and make you a better business owner.

You’re more productive

A holiday will help you refocus your energy and provide more clarity. If you’ve been experiencing a slump, a break may well leave you more effective and ready to attain goals. Who knows? You’ll perhaps be more than ready to brainstorm new ideas for your small business.

Delegate workload

You’ve been forced to hand over the reigns to someone else within the business, which encourages you to build confidence in delegating work to other employees. And by delegating, you’ll get a better idea of others’ strengths in the workplace.

Prepared for next time

Your first holiday is a learning process. When planning your next vacation, you’ll consider what worked the first time around, and what didn’t. By holiday number three, you’ll be a professional!

Virtel UK provides service packages that will help you stay in touch with the office. Now, you’ll never miss a beat.