Take a vacation, people

MorganMyers is a close knit communications firm. When one employee goes on vacation, we all get to live vicariously through the pre-vacation anticipation as plans are made and shared, and the post-vacation story retelling (don’t forget the photos).

Unfortunately, we’re having fewer of those conversations these days as our employees try to figure out how to stay safe, maintain work-life balance and juggle scheduling disruptions for family, as well as for destination options. As of the end of June, our employees had recorded only 20% of available vacation time despite being 50% of the way through the year. We all tend to bank days for the end of the year, but not that much.

So, actively encouraging MMers to get away and recharge is a priority right now. Grinding for six months straight tends to lead to more grinding, not less, as there’s always something that can be done. We don’t want employees feeling trapped by their workloads, and the perspective provided by “away time” helps people clear their heads and recognize important priorities. And that’s not just me saying it – there are multiple studies that show the benefits of taking vacation to both employees and businesses, including improved physical and mental health and a more engaged workforce.

Short vacations are still good

Away time doesn’t have to mean two weeks in the Bahamas (even if that was possible right now). With the challenges of planning longer trips on top of the current health and travel restrictions, it’s good to know that short trips, closer to home, are actually considered more beneficial to vacationers and easier to pull off. We tend to relax faster. We don’t have the luxury of taking a couple of days to get into vacation mode if we’re only gone for four days. We’re more likely to shut off the work phone knowing we’re not away that long – and the people covering for us should be able to handle things.

Our vacation policy

We do have a “use it or lose it” policy at MM, meaning you need to use your vacation in the designated calendar year. We adopted the policy because we think it’s important, and research backs us up, for MMers to take breaks during the year as time away typically leads to healthier, more productive and creative employees. That said, our policy is negotiable, so if you are trying to “bank” an extra week of vacation for a big trip out of the country the following calendar year, you may be able to get that type of exception approved.

When we/I go on vacation

I need my away time. My personal vacation experiences are always better when my laptop isn’t along, and it also helps if there’s really crappy cell phone service. If I don’t shut my phone off, one “ping” and “quick look that won’t hurt anything” later, and I might as well be sitting at my desk. I know I have to be deliberate in my vacation behaviors or I won’t be able to relax. Michelle, my wife of 30+ years, knows this as well, and is good at reminding me to unplug.

We tend to have a mix of “active” and “touring” vacations. I usually unplug better when active. It’s hard to think about the office when I’m 40 feet underwater on a scuba trip. The office also doesn’t jump to mind when we’re 80 miles into a 450 mile bike trip. We’ve done a week straight on a sail boat, although truth be told, my skills meant I was mostly relegated to washing dishes and assembling and delivering beverages to the people that actually could sail.

As we get away, we tend toward small groups with shared interests. We often travel with family or friends we know have similar ideas of a good time, and that doesn’t involve a lot of conversations starting with, “how are things at your office?”

So, MMers (and everyone else), try and go see what summer has to offer while there’s still some summer left. Get away and enjoy yourselves, and then come back and tell the rest of us your stories.