One More Thing To Do Before Your Winter Vacation

There is no better day at work than the day before a week away — as long as you’re prepared! Nothing ruins your time off like remembering a pressing task you didn’t finish or thinking nonstop about that project you have to work on when you return. Getting your ducks in a row before you take off for the holidays can make for a more enjoyable break and a smoother transition back into work. Here is the best to do list before vacation. Start checking things off!

 

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To Do Before You Go On Vacation

Start with everything that needs to be done before you go. What tasks are due this week?

• Make a to-do list: Make a list of all the daily tasks that must be done before you go, then start checking off items!
• Schedule social media posts: For our business owners and marketing managers, don’t be worried about what posts you need to make during your time off. Schedule them ahead of time!
• Reschedule your recurring meetings: Take the time to move things around on your calendar or cancel those standing meetings.
• Block off time to get ahead or finish your task list: Don’t let unexpected meetings be the reason you can’t get everything done. Block off some time to get ahead of everything before you go.

 

 

Prep for While You’re Gone

What needs to be covered while you’re gone or the office is closed?

• Activate away messages: Make sure to set your away message so you can come back to *a few* less emails.
• Turn off alerts and log out of work apps: Take a real break!Your emails can wait so sign out and don’t check in until you return.
• Block off your calendar: Make sure you set your calendar to away and block off your time.
• Send a reminder: Remind your boss, colleagues and clients you will be out and unavailable.

 

What Will Help Once You Get Back

Lastly, prepare for your return! No need for extra stress on January 2nd. Help future you out now with these to dos before vacation and get things ready for your inevitable return to the grind. 

• Block out those first few hours: Make time to catch up on emails and get resettled before you step back into the groove of work.
• Clean up and reset: Do yourself a favor — reset your workspace before you leave so you come back fresh and ready to work.
• Make a return to-do list: Write down important items that need attention once you are back. Your daily tasks, projects, colleague check-ins and meeting prep.
• Organize your inbox: Sort emails, add to appropriate folders, and respond to emails at the bottom of your inbox.
• Let technology remember for you: Set reminders for emails that need responses, follow-ups, and check-ins. Gmail makes this easy, just add a follow-up reminder.

Ultimately, you can only prepare so much. Set yourself up for a seamless return and leave with confidence. Enjoy your holiday break and check out of work — this is your time!