Yes, and they should! Running a business is demanding and time-consuming so it is important to take a vacation (even a couple days if you can’t get away for an entire week) to avoid burnout and keep yourself healthy. While it might seem daunting to even plan for this, we’ve put together a list of tips so all small business owners can take a vacation.
- Plan ahead: Schedule your vacation well in advance and make sure your staff and customers are aware of your absence. This will give you and your team enough time to prepare and make necessary arrangements.
- Delegate responsibilities: Identify key team members who can take on additional responsibilities while you’re away. Delegate tasks and ensure that your team knows who to go to for guidance or support. If you are the boss and the only employee you will need to consider hiring a temporary worker or outsourcing some of your tasks to a freelancer or contractor to ensure that your business operations are covered while you’re away.
- Set expectations: Communicate your expectations clearly to your team and customers regarding response times, delivery schedules, and other critical aspects of your business operations.
- Use technology: Make use of tools such as automated email responders, scheduling apps, and remote access to stay connected and keep track of important activities.
- Disconnect: While it may be tempting to check in on your business while on vacation, it’s important to disconnect and recharge. Set aside a specific time each day to check emails or messages, and then focus on enjoying your vacation.
- Prioritize relaxation: Make sure to prioritize relaxation and rest during your vacation. Take time to do things you enjoy and recharge your batteries.
- Have a backup plan: Even with the best planning, unexpected issues can arise while you’re away. Have a backup plan in place for emergencies and ensure that your team knows how to handle them.
- Review and reflect: Once you return from vacation, take some time to review and reflect on what worked and what didn’t. Use this information to improve your processes and plan for future vacations.
The number of weeks a small business owner goes on vacation can vary depending on various factors such as the size and type of the business, personal preferences, and workload. It ultimately depends on the individual business owner and their needs.
Remember, taking a vacation is not only beneficial for your well-being, but it can also provide new perspectives and fresh ideas that can ultimately benefit your business.
It’s only June so there is time to create a plan and take that must needed vacation!
-Sarah Elchuk is a Product Consultant on the Revenue Growth, Digital Platforms and Content Team.
