Beware of the unexpected track trap LesAffairescom

Beware of the unexpected track trap! – LesAffaires.com

Beware of the unexpected track trap LesAffairescom

In Tracances, work shouldn’t become a burden that we carry with us everywhere. (Photo: Austin Kieckhafer for Unsplash)

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Q. – “This summer, our company is experimenting with Tracances: the ability to combine 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 or will I just think about work?” – Marie-Pierre

A. – Dear Marie-Pierre, First of all, I would like to acknowledge your company’s initiative: “tracances” – a neologism that arises from the combination of “work” and “holiday” – are not that common. And I’m crossing my fingers that she realizes all the benefits this can bring. In fact, a survey of a thousand “tracers” conducted last year by Passport Photo Online found the following:

– 86% of respondents say they’re more productive on the go than ever.

– 84% that they have never enjoyed working as much as in the tracing.

– 83% that it is very good for their mental health.

– 81% that it makes them more creative.

– 69% that they are less inclined to change employers than they were before they left.

However, you are right, Marie-Pierre, if you are concerned about the mental strain that work can bring if you have to regularly put the collar back on while you are away on holiday the rest of the time. It’s a bit like having to wear two hats at the same time: it’s impractical and makes you look crazy!

As I scoured the internet for practical advice from trackers, I came across five tips that should enable you to live your new experience as best as possible.

1. Become aware of the traps that marks entail

The trap is that this concept tends to blur the line between personal life and work. And so, between vacation time and working hours. The important point is that if the work-related issues ever become too important (large file needs to be dealt with, important unforeseen events need to be dealt with, etc.), it can be enough to spoil the vacation time and therefore the experience.

2. Set strict boundaries and prioritize vacations

When tracing, the holidays must have priority. Otherwise they will fail.

The aim is to maintain a good balance between work and vacation. And this can be achieved by setting in advance the working days and even the working hours; and above all by adhering to it, at all costs.

Likewise, it can be a good idea to set vacation days and times yourself, and even schedule specific activities that you must adhere to. For example, family diving lessons every day at 2 p.m. with the instructor of a diving club; Cultural visit every other day between 3:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.; half-hour solo yoga daily at 5:30 p.m.; etc. Because it keeps you from using your “free time” to deal with the perpetual “emergencies” of work.

3. Validate your tracking diary with your boss and team

Of course, you cannot set your own agenda. Your line manager and team members must agree to this.

One more important point on this topic: take this moment to emphasize that it is important not to try to contact you during your vacation. No email, no call. For example when you are at the weekend.

For your customers and other business partners who would try to email you, consider programming an auto-reply for your free hours that provides the name and contact information of a colleague who can respond to them quickly in an emergency can.

Finally, take advantage of technology tools and other apps that help you stay on top of things and let others know the status of each of your files.

4. Relax as much as possible

As far as possible, relieve important files, the time of your tracks. And postpone important meetings until you get back to the office. Because it also relieves you immensely, which gives you wings on vacation.

how to get it By delegating as much as possible, even if it is indeed not always easy to let go…

5. Really separate

In order to completely disconnect from work-related stress, it is good to do some physical activity on vacation. Or to practice mindfulness or meditation. The idea is simple: really unwind from work.

It goes without saying that it’s therefore a good idea to turn off all your notifications and turn on the Do Not Disturb feature of your mailbox and other Slack devices.

That’s it, Marie Pierre. I hope these tips will allow you to enjoy your worries and prevent them from turning into worries.

Incidentally, the French writer Pierre Daninos said in “Vacances à tout prix”: “Idleness is a wonderful occupation. It’s a pity that you have to do without it during the holidays, then it’s all about doing something.”