Welcome back from the Easter break! Not sure about you, but I took a short break and it gave me a little time for reflection (and perhaps overindulgence in chocolate!). It’s not until you’re on holiday or in the middle of taking a short break that you realise just how important it is to step out and switch off.
For many business owners, taking a holiday is most likely to be their lowest priority despite it having an immensely positive effect on themselves and their business.
For most sole traders, not working means there is no income coming in and in the tough times we’ve recently faced, being on deck 24/7 kept food on the table. But studies have shown that working at 100% capacity for long periods of time has a detrimental effect on our health and lifestyle. Not to mention, the increase in stress also impacts on your productivity and general ability to solve problems.
By taking a break, whether it’s an extended long weekend, a week up the coast or a few weeks overseas, you can recharge the batteries and come back with a fresh perspective on some of the problems you were facing before you switched off the lights.
A recent study found Australians take fewer holidays than many OECD countries with an average of just 15 days per year. Australia is one of the few countries that allows workers to accrue annual leave and for some staff a substantial leave stockpile could be a financial safety net.
Here are a few thoughts on why taking leave (you and your employees) can benefit your business:
- It enables you to step out of the day to day grind and give you and your mind some much needed rest – this can not only revitalise yourself and your mind, but also your passion for your business.
- Lowering the level of accrued leave will help reduce your company’s financial liability.
- Team members who regularly take leave can be less likely to get sick.
- Employees tend to stay longer at companies that encourage them to have a life outside the office.
- Productivity will be higher with healthier, happier employees.
When was the last time you were able to take some time out from your business and really switch off? Did it re-energise you and your business?
