Pressing Pause For Some RnR
Are you fortunate enough to shutdown for Christmas? Having started the year discussing how to navigate and maximise lockdowns, it is a very pleasant change to be discussing an annual shutdown. For some industries, like food, accommodation and entertainment, this is when things get really busy. For others, like ourselves, this is the time of year when we get to press pause for 2-3 weeks. If your business is shutting down here are some tips:
Communicate clearly with all staff, suppliers and customers and be clear when you will close and when you will be open. What can customers expect in terms of orders placed before Christmas, or bought online over the break? Are suppliers and delivery people clear on what you will and won’t be receiving into your business? Is your security company clear and do they have a plan in place?
Put a clear, friendly “out of office” note on emails and answer phones. Again set clear expectations of what people can expect and when you will be back on board.
Have a plan if someone is required to go into work (alarm going off or urgent customer requirement often create the need for this). Be clear on who will be on-call and what constitutes a call in.
Backup your information before going on leave (and/or check your provider has a recent backup that works).
Reset your passwords. This is something that should be done frequently and like the changing seasons remind you to change your smoke alarm batteries, use this time to do a password reset (again with guidance of your IT provider/specialist).
Consider what repairs and maintenance you can outsource to be done. Those jobs you never quite got around to doing! Having them done allows you to start the new year on a high note.
Use the last day at work to do a really good clean up and finish with a good feed. It is a great way to enjoy some camaraderie and, much like a tidy bedroom and made bed at the end of a long day, it makes coming back to work something uplifting and enjoyable.
I remember when I first started working for myself, stopping seemed so wrong. I would be plagued with guilt throughout the break - feeling like I should be doing something, only to get to the end of the break realising I had not really allowed myself a real rest. Some tips for you, from my school of hard knocks:
Plan to have a break. Intentionally and deliberately schedule no work in your break time. (If you love what you do your imagination will often enjoy this stress free period and ideas will pop up.) Record them. Avoid operational, routine work. Capture the ideas that excite you.
Do something different. Our team did a 3D glass art session today with Serena Mercer and it was loads of fun. Different activities activate different parts of your brain. It is refreshing and inspiring.
Turn off all social media (especially if it is work related) and delete news apps and work apps
Connect with people. Sometimes we can slip into survival mode and time flies by. Use this time to reach out and connect with people. Humans need connection and relationships. Use this time to recharge those connections which are special and meaningful to you.
Do stuff you enjoy. Reading on a beach, walking in nature, fishing, 4WD, paragliding - whatever spins your wheels and recharges your ‘batteries’, treat yourself and do a lot of it.
We are going offline for 3 weeks. Thanks for reading and the feedback over the year. It has been an honour and privilege. Shout out to my team behind the scenes - Kiri, Jane & Rosie for doing all it takes to get this to you! Here’s to a joy filled, love packed, glorious and wonderful break. See you in 2023!
