Holidays: what to do in the office before you set off

How can we organise things in the office before going on holiday so as to avoid having our holidays rudely interrupted by urgent work matters? Here are five practical tips to follow in order to enjoy your holidays to the full:  simple but efficient suggestions suitable for any worker.

1. Always have a clear idea of the situation

If, as the holidays approach, you prepare a comprehensive list of all the tasks to be undertaken in the short and longer term, you can keep the situation under control without risking any unpleasant surprises.  All this will allow you to relax better during the entire holiday season.

2. Do not schedule anything stressful just before or just after the holidays

Deadlines and appointments which may cause tension must not under any circumstances be scheduled for the days leading up to, or the days immediately following, your holidays.  Those days should be devoted to routine jobs such as organising the tasks to be done, tidying your desk or having a tidy-up in the office.

3. Delegate tasks to trusted colleagues

When people have a certain level of responsibility and the objective is to get organised in the office before the holidays, it is essential to select trusted colleagues who will step in if necessary. These people must be competent and trustworthy.

4. Give notice in advance with clear indication of the dates when you will be out of the office

Giving advance notice with clear indication of the days when you will be out of the office is the best way to avoid misunderstandings with other members of staff and clients.  If possible, when you are out of the office, do not reply to phone calls or emails, unless it is a very urgent matter.

5. Do your utmost to relax completely

Even when on holiday, it can be difficult to relax completely, so it is essential to do everything possible to achieve this, by making sure that you stay away from everything connected to work and productivity.

So these are our 5 handy tips for getting organised in the office before setting off for your summer or winter holidays:  suggestions to be put into practice regardless of your role in the company, to allow you to set off in total serenity and spend your holidays having fun.

Translated by Joanne Beckwith