Is Working Remotely Working For You?

If you are like me, getting away on vacation may be a bit challenging. Being a business owner has its plusses and minuses. Often, there is quite a blur between working and vacation. For a business owner, "vacation" might be a figurative term. Common knowledge is that it is rare for an owner to be completely on vacation. They are always "on". Several aspects of the business from time-sensitive projects, to employee schedules and tasks, to paying the bills, to returning phone calls and emails, maybe a rarity to get away from completely. Managing these items ahead of time may be the key to success for a business owner to be truly able to go on vacation and enjoy the much-needed time away to rest and recharge. Before you leave:

1. Have a plan: Before leaving have a clear plan and communicate with your team and clients about your availability, potential response time delays, and realistic expectations on tasks you can handle remotely.

2. Work Station: While working remotely, find a quiet and comfortable space to work.

3. Set Boundaries: Decide ahead of time when to work, when to be on vacation, and try to be consistent. Outside these hours, allow yourself the joy of being on that much-needed vacation.

4. Task Prioritization: Whether on vacation or not, prioritizing tasks is a necessity. Those tasks which are time sensitive, do first. Next, do those critical tasks needed to honor contracts, earn an income for you, your team, and your clients, etc.

5. Technology Tips: Leverage your technology to help you stay organized and on top of work to be done. For example, employ your management tools/apps, cloud storage, thumb drives, communication tools, and other remote working apps to assist you as your business requires.

6. Multiply Yourself: Select members of your team to take of certain tasks and responsibilities which meet their qualifications. That which can only be done by you, do. Additionally, automate as much as you can to be speedy on service and responses, while still maintaining genuine customer service and care.

7. Schedule Work: Typically, vacations do not last long, so capture as much time as possible to enjoy the moment. Have a set schedule to work, to explore, and stick to that plan as best you can.

8. Lessen Distractions: Avoid time wasters whether it be email notifications, friends calling, or loud environments.

9. Break Away: Step away from your work by going on a walk, visiting a new restaurant, trying a new activity, or reading a new book as an example...you are on vacation!

10. Stay In Contact: Regularly check in with your team and clients to keep them apprised of current events or issues that arise.

In conclusion, finding and maintaining that work/life balance is key to enjoying the reward of a much-needed vacation.