By Lindsey Anderson, CPA
Senior Manager, Tax and Accounting Services
Email Lindsey
School’s out for the summer, and it’s time for you to think about taking a break as well. You may think that continuing to grind away is the best way to conduct business, but getting some rest and relaxation recharges your batteries and ultimately boosts your productivity. As Human Resources Consultant LaShawn Davis told CNBC: “Productivity isn’t just about getting results, it’s about getting the best results you can, and it’s impossible to perform your best if you’re not well-rested.”
It’s important for business owners and managers to encourage employees to get away from the office, leave their workload behind and disconnect. They need to shut off their computers, tune out the emails and turn on “out of office greetings” and voicemail. Studies show that reducing screen time decreases stress, improves sleep, leads to a less sedentary lifestyle and lowers the risk of depression.
Taking a detour from your routine can freshen up your work life — like when the produce section at the grocery store gets a misting of water. Take a few days off, and head to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari with the kids for a ride on the park’s first family roller coaster. Check out the new chimpanzee exhibit at the Indianapolis Zoo. Or hang out with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at The Children’s Museum.
When you return to your workplace, remember the benefits of that rest and change in routine. Try to incorporate that into your work week rather than going back to business as usual.
As Industrial Psychologist Laura Pendergrass suggests in the aforementioned CNBC article: “Look for opportunities to inject fun into your day or do a small activity that gives you joy, whether it’s going for a walk, calling a friend or reading a chapter of a book you’re excited about … even if it’s only for 15-20 minutes. Those small, restful activities can go a long way toward recharging your batteries.”
Many of you may feel guilty about taking a vacation or even a short break during the workday, viewing it as some kind of “disruption” of work. But it’s actually a boon for your business side. The regeneration of energy and perspective that comes from rest and relaxation boosts employee morale, increases productivity and ensures a stronger, healthier workforce.
If we can assist you further with achieving success in your business, please call us at (317) 608-6699 or email Lindsey.