PUSH Mindfulness, Out of Office

PUSH Mindfulness

Out of Office

With the spring sports tourism season and families ready for a spring break upon us across the United States, you might be gearing up to activate your “out of office” message.

However, in a nation renowned for its work-centric culture and the absence of federal mandates ensuring paid vacation time, many Americans struggle to disconnect during their allotted time off. On average, they leave nearly ten vacation days unused each year, and even when they do take a break, a significant majority find it challenging to detach from work fully.

This challenge isn’t unique to the U.S. The European workforce, though thrilled at the guarantee of a large number of paid vacation days and mandatory time off in the summer months, still grapples with the urge to stay plugged in, finding the return to work after extended periods away overwhelming.

Use these tailored tips from our European friends for crafting your out-of-office strategy within the sports tourism context:

Align with Stakeholders:

Proactively communicate your vacation plans to clients and key stakeholders in advance. Inquire about upcoming projects or events requiring your attention during your absence, allowing you to strategize and delegate tasks accordingly.

Delegate Responsibly:

Foster a culture of mutual support within your team, ensuring clear protocols for covering responsibilities during vacations. Prepare comprehensive handover materials for colleagues, enabling seamless continuity in project execution even while you’re away.

Keep Supervisors Informed:

As your departure date approaches, provide your supervisor with regular updates on ongoing projects. This will facilitate informed decision-making regarding task prioritization and ensure appropriate support is available in your absence.

Activate Out-of-Office Protocols:

Implement a robust out-of-office auto-reply message, directing clients and colleagues to alternative contact points during your absence. Turn off notifications across all work-related platforms to minimize interruptions and maintain disconnection from professional obligations.

Embrace an out-of-office, European-inspired mindset towards work-life balance, prioritize your well-being, and the rejuvenating benefits of vacation time. Recognize that work, especially in sports tourism, should enhance rather than define your identity. Upon your return, leverage team collaboration to efficiently catch up on missed tasks and maintain a structured approach to workload management.

Integrating these principles into your out-of-office strategy can foster a healthier balance between professional commitments and personal well-being, contributing to a more sustainable and fulfilling sports tourism experience for yourself and your stakeholders.