By Lisa Purichia
Partner, Director of Accounting Services & Retirement Plan Services
[email protected]
Remember that scene in Terminator 2 when star Arnold Schwarzenegger rises from the rubble of a robot battle and sleepily says, “I need a vacation?” Many of you probably feel the same way now, in the wake of the incredibly stressful past 18 months. Over this time, we’ve been through a pandemic, quarantine, business setbacks and reinventions, nationwide protests, the presidential election, etc. And now we’re gradually returning to a sense of normalcy.
As HR specialists have told us again and again, one of the critical ways of relieving stress and easing back into professional life after a difficult period is to take a vacation.
Now more than ever, it’s important for business owners and managers to encourage employees to take a break, get away from the office and disconnect. They need to shut off their computers, tune out the emails and set up voicemail for business calls. Of course, that can be difficult in this age of constant contact. Employees may hesitate and ask, “But what about our great client relationships based on round-the-clock responsiveness?” Customers understand the need for vacations, especially when they involve time with family. Plus, most businesses are built with a certain amount of redundancy to ensure that other people can help customers when an employee is out of the office.
When you get out and about with your family and friends, you’ll realize what you’ve taken for granted in this peculiar period of social distancing. Engage in activities outside of your daily routines. Go someplace exotic. Take long walks on the beach. Get lost in a good book. You’ll be amazed at what just a week away from the workplace will do for your wellbeing.
Many of you may feel guilty about taking a vacation and view it as some kind of “disruption” of work. But it’s actually a boon for your business. The regeneration of energy and perspective that comes from vacation boosts employee morale, increases productivity and ensures a stronger, healthier workforce.
We’ve all been under an enormous amount of stress and pressure since 2020. Take a deep breath, call your travel agent or head over to Tripadvisor. You deserve — nay, need — a vacation!
If we can assist you further with your business affairs, please contact Lisa Purichia at (317) 608-6693 or email [email protected].