CARLSBAD, Calif., July 13 -- Can't unplug from the office even though you're on vacation? According to CareerCast.com (http://www.careercast.com), a national job-search portal, you're definitely not alone.
With smartphones, netbooks and more now available, it's easy to stay connected with your office while you're on vacation, but is it a good idea? Vacations are meant to help employees recharge so they can return to work re-energized and refocused. But if you're constantly checking in with the office, you won't get a real break.
"While there is always something more to do at work, it's important to take time to relax and recharge yourself," says Tony Lee, publisher, http://www.CareerCast.com. "You're ultimately more productive after taking a break from your daily routine, and it can help spur creativity and innovation. If you can't completely unplug from your office, set guidelines so your vacation actually feels like a vacation and not a business trip."
CareerCast.com offers these tips on how to unplug on vacation:
-- Plan ahead. Coordinate your vacation time with your co-workers, team
and other executive staff to ensure that things run smoothly while
you're out.
-- Designate your main point of contact and give them a detailed account
of all your projects and work commitments along with your emergency
contact information.
-- Try to leave the majority of your work-related hardware at home.
-- Inform your key accounts, vendors and clients when and how long you'll
be out of the office.
-- If you have a lot of projects that will need attention while you're
out, consider distributing your projects among your co-workers or
team.
-- If you can't resist the temptation to check in, try to set up specific
times or days you will be checking messages.
-- Leave your mobile devices in your room so you can concentrate on
family and friends and not be tempted to check in during the day.
-- If you receive urgent voicemails or emails while you're out, ask your
main point of contact troubleshoot the issue.
But most importantly, have fun! You deserve a break. Your health and your work will be better off when you return refreshed and ready to refocus.