You (and Your Business) Need a Vacation

By Andy Kocemba

It’s August.  Summer youth programs have largely wrapped up, we're a month from back to school, and it's only a matter of time before the temperature starts to drop.  Sounds like a good time for a summer vacation. 

Downtime and rest are important.  So, whether it’s simply unplugging for a week at home, jumping in the car and hitting the open road, or jetting to somewhere farther away, spending time away is crucial to your physical and mental health.

And there’s a benefit many people don’t realize -- taking a vacation will not only benefit you personally, but will also benefit your business. Here's how:

  1. The most obvious benefit of a vacation is the personal relaxation and lowering of stress levels. But think about how that impacts your work life once you return to the office.  Most people find themselves recharged and ready to run their companies with new enthusiasm. This energy pours itself into positive change and momentum within your company, and also spreads to the employees who look to you for guidance and inspiration. 
  2. Time away can provide a business owner with the peace, quiet, and space to focus some thought on strategy. Getting away from the daily demands, “fires”, and urgencies can free the mind to focus on big picture questions like, “Where am I taking my business?”, “What are my goals?”, and “What improvements can I be making to grow my company?”. 
  3. Time away gives your staff and processes a chance to refine themselves independent of your involvement. Prior to taking some time off, document the way your business should run in your absence. Now, give your staff some time to practice. We always say that companies that run better with the owner on vacation are worth much more than those that don’t. 

There you have it.  Now you are out of excuses and have no choice but to get out there and enjoy a little rest and relaxation.  Properly executed, time away will benefit you, your family, and your business. Enjoy it. 

Takeaways:

  1. Vacations benefit both you AND your business.
  2. Demonstrating that your business can run without you makes it much more valuable.
  3. Taking time to unplug can help you think about the big picture and come back recharged and ready to enact positive change.