Relax, Recharge and Reflect by Marc LeVine

Many of us have planned some time-off over the next few weeks heading into the fall. In fact, my wife and I just returned from a few days in the Finger Lakes region of New York State. The leaves have already begin to change. Oh those colors! It is always nice to get away for a few days. Is it not?

Before leaving on our little getaway we were reminded not to waste a moment of time on any work-related "stuff." In fact, many of the books and podcasts I have been paying attention to have recommended a total detachment from work, while on vacation. It is a good thought, but the sentiment often does not align with reality. In fact, "shutting down" on vacation is really more of a suggestion than a practicality.

Total detachment from work? A vacation may not be the best time to bury oneself in a complicated work project that eats up both time and tourism. But there are actually some benign work-related activities we can comfortably manage and why not? Doing so might even be helpful - especially to ourselves; to our customers and to others we work with.

Every vacation has some built-in “downtime,” when nothing exciting, fun, or relaxing is planned. You know what I am talking about. Struggling to get used to that unfamiliar hotel bed before falling asleep. Waiting for your significant other to shower and dress for the day's adventures. Waiting for a restaurant table to be made ready. Such situations offer opportunities to briefly "check in," think things out or brainstorm work-related ideas. Periodically, checking in and responding to a few pressing emails may actually save someone else's day. Whomever it may be, will certainly appreciate a quick answer to a spot question. And, while they may forget what you just did for them at that moment, they will always remember how you made them feel by showing you cared while you were away.

Jotting down a note or two to remind yourself of some bright idea or post-vacation "to-do list" item that just popped into your head, is also a non-intrusive work-related activity. Think about it. You are away from work, sunning yourself and enjoying a cool drink by the pool and all-of-a-sudden a cool breeze of inspiration flows into your head... Do not lose those thoughts! Jot them down! Within those brief notes, you may find yourself returning home with some great innovative ideas that can really make a difference for you and for others.

No one is suggesting we accept any unnecessary guilt that often comes to those enjoying time off from work. Most progressive companies like the one I work for understand the physical and emotional benefits of time away from the office. They want everyone to go and enjoy their vacations - undisturbed. But it would be silly to think that any small work-related thing we may do might be detrimental to our vacation state of mind. In fact, doing a thing or two may "extend your vacation," by making things easier when you return.

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Listen to Marc's latest interview on The AutomationBlog Podcast with Shawn Tierney.

Marc LeVine?is a graduate of Syracuse (NY) University with a degree in Industrial Psychology, Marc is currently Talent Acquisitions and Learning and Development Lead at Thermo Systems. He is the recipient of the Excellence in Talent Acquisitions Award from HR Awards in 2021. His prior employment includes senior Human Resources and staffing industry management roles with Edgewood Properties in Piscataway, NJ, Brakeforce Staffing in Edison, NJ, InfoPro Inc. in Woodbridge NJ and Plainsboro, NJ and Harvard Industries in Farmingdale, NJ, a former Fortune 500 company. He also served as Director of Human Resources for New Jersey Press, the parent company of the Asbury Park Press, Home News and Tribune and WKXW-NJ101.5. Earlier in his career, Marc served as Director of Career Services and Placement at Union Technical Institute in Eatontown and Neptune, NJ. In addition, Marc owned and operated Integrity Consulting Associates, a Human Resources for 11 years. Marc also served as Council President in his hometown of Freehold Borough, NJ