Hello ,

Something new for you this month.

If you’re one of the many people who've downloaded the Time Audit but haven’t managed to find the time to complete it - why not take this quick and easy (much shorter) version.

You'll get an idea of where you are, find out how you compare and what you need to change.  You’ll still get email feedback with a few tips and ideas.

Completing the Audit will give you a great basis from which you can improve. (Click the link at the bottom of the email if you'd like the full version and to get more personalised feedback).

If you follow me on social media, you may know I’m in training for a Cycle Challenge in a couple of months. I’m raising money to support the Odyssey Challenge Charity.

I’ll be tackling 225 miles and 5000m of ascent in 7 days. Part of the challenge will be the camping and bunkhouses each night. Although I’m sure we'll be too tired to care where we sleep.

If you'd like to sponsor me and support this great cause you can do so on my fundraising page.

Thank you.

I've been talking to several of my clients about how they can better manage work around their longer Summer holiday break, so it’s a good time to share a few tips and ideas with you.

Are you going on holiday and planning to take work with you?  Will you feel the need to check-in or keep on top of your email while you’re away?

If so, you’re not alone.

Many people feel they can’t get away from the pressure and responsibilities of work or their business and know they will inevitably need to find time for work when they should be relaxing.

So they end up taking their phone and laptop with them, sitting working by the pool, catching up on emails in the morning or evenings as they 'stay in touch', keep things ticking over or finish off projects.

1. Plan what you absolutely need to get done over the next few day/weeks before you go on holiday. What can realistically wait until you get back?

Start your holiday planning at least two to three weeks before you leave.  Allow time to arrange your workload, time to delegate and time to plan work to be done while you're away.

Do plan a relatively ‘light’ week in the lead up to your holiday, don’t try to cram in too many last minute meetings or projects to be completed.

You’ll only end up working late trying to finish things off and fit everything in and end up more stressed and in need of a break.

2. Set client and customer expectations. Give them enough advanced warning and let them know what you can and can’t do before you go away.  They can plan their work commitments accordingly if they know when you're available.

Give them good lead times rather than last minute deadlines so you have time to complete what you need to do.

Do you expect to be able to get hold of one of your customers or clients if you knew they were on holiday or do you respect their personal time and wait until they return?

Don’t take on new work just before you go away unless you agree realistic timeframes, allowing for the time you're not available.

3. Handover work to colleagues or others in your team to deal with while you’re away.

Don’t dump! Be clear about what’s expected, what if anything needs to be done while you're away, who key contacts are and where any information can be found. It helps if you already have clear systems and processes in place.

Set an out of office message on your voicemail and email. Provide an alternate contact where possible and state clearly that you’ll deal with any issues when you return.

If you don't have anyone to handover to or deal with work while you're away - what's the impact of putting things on hold while you're away?  What do you need to have in place to enable this to happen?

Redirect calls to voicemail or an answering service. (Some companies can arrange holiday cover even if you’re not a regular customer.) They will take calls, pass on messages, deal with enquiries and take the pressure off while you're away.

Switch off or disconnect your work email account to prevent automatic updates. You’ll be less distracted and less tempted to sneak a peek.

Here are a few of the more extreme ways I’ve heard senior execs and CEOs deal with their email:

If you already have good email practices in place, most of your incoming emails will already have been sorted and organised. (Read more email tips and guidelines)

What’s the worst that will happen if you’re uncontactable?

What would you consider urgent enough to have to be contacted while you’re away from work and you’re taking the time to switch off and relax?

If you absolutely HAVE to work - keep it to a minimum and don't let it impact your fun and relaxation. Some things are more important than work.

Drop me an email or hit reply and let me know what challenges you have to think about and manage when you go on holiday.  What works for you?

If you would like more clarity, ideas and focus for your stress-free break, give me a call and arrange a time for a quick (free) chat.

You deserve to be able to take time-off, away from work to relax, unwind and recharge your batteries.

Enjoy your summer break - whether you're staying at home or going abroad.