2023-07-04 19:47:49
In tracances, work should not become a weight that we drag everywhere with us. (Photo: Austin Kieckhafer for Unsplash)
DAMNED JOB! is a section where Olivier Schmouker answers your toughest questions [et les plus pertinentes] on the modern business world… and, of course, its failings. An appointment to read tuesdays and the thursdays. Do you want to participate? Send us your question at mauditejob@groupecontex.ca
Q. – “This summer, our company is experimenting with tracances: the possibility of combining work and vacation. I jumped at the chance: my little family and I are going to spend three weeks in Mexico, which will only eat up seven days off. But I worry, will I really enjoy my vacation time, or will I just think regarding work?” – Marie Pierre
A. – Dear Marie-Pierre, first of all, allow me to salute the initiative of your company: “tracances” – a neologism born from the contraction of “work” and “holidays” – are not that common. And I’m crossing my fingers that she sees all the benefits that these can bring. In fact, a study conducted last year by Passport Photo Online among a thousand “tracers” revealed that:
– 86% of people surveyed say they are more productive than ever when they are on the go.
– 84%, that they have never been so happy to work as in tracances.
– 83%, that it does a world of good to their mental health.
– 81%, that it makes them more creative.
– 69%, that they have less desire to change employer than before their traces.
That said, you are right, Marie-Pierre, to worry regarding the mental load that work can represent when you have to put the collar back on regularly while the rest of the time you are on vacation. It’s a bit like having to wear two hats at the same time: it’s not practical, and you can quickly look crazy!
By browsing the web in search of practical advice from tracanciers, I unearthed five that should allow you to live your new experience to the best of your ability.
1. Become aware of the trap inherent in traces
The trap is that this concept tends to eliminate the boundary between private life and work. And so, between vacation time and work time. The important point is that if ever the work-related issues become too important (large file to complete, essential unforeseen event to settle, etc.), this can be enough to spoil the vacation time, and therefore to spoil the experience.
2. Set rigid boundaries, prioritizing vacations
In tracing, the priority must go to the holidays. Otherwise, they will fail.
The goal is to maintain a good balance between work and holidays. And this can be done by determining, in advance, the days and even the hours of work; and above all, by sticking to it, at all costs.
In the same vein, it can be a good idea to set vacation days and times for yourself, even planning specific activities that you will have to comply with. For example, every day, at 2 p.m., family diving lessons with the instructor of a diving club; cultural visit every other day between 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.; half-hour solo yoga daily at 5:30 p.m.; etc Because it will prevent you from taking on your “free time” to deal with the eternal “emergencies” of work.
3. Validate your tracking diary with your boss and your team
Of course, you cannot set your agenda on your own. Your immediate boss and your team members must agree to this.
On this subject, an important point: take advantage of this moment to emphasize that it is crucial not to try to contact you during your vacation time. No email, no phone call. Like when you’re on the weekend.
For your customers and other business partners who would try to reach you by email, consider programming an automatic response for your hours off, which will provide the name and contact information of a colleague likely to answer them quickly, in case of emergency.
Finally, take advantage of technology tools and other apps that can keep you organized, including letting others know the status of each of your files.
4. Lighten up as much as possible
As far as possible, offload important files, the time of your traces. And reschedule key meetings until you get back to the office. Because, casually, it will greatly lighten your mental load, which will give you wings during vacation time.
How to achieve it? By delegating as much as possible, even if, it is true, it is not always easy to let go…
5. Really disconnect
In order to completely cut yourself off from work-related stress, it is good to have a physical activity during your vacation time. Or, to practice mindfulness or meditation. The idea is simple: really disconnect from work.
It goes without saying that it is therefore advisable to deactivate all your notifications and to activate the “Do not disturb” of your mailbox and other Slacks.
That’s it, Marie-Pierre. I hope these tips will allow you to savor your worries, to prevent them from turning into worries.
By the way, the French writer Pierre Daninos said in “Vacances à tout prix”: “Idleness is a wonderful occupation. Too bad you have to give it up during the holidays, the main thing then being to do something”.
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#Beware #unsuspected #trap #traces
