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How can I stop working even during leave days?

How can I make the most of my annual leave? I usually find myself doing office work even during leave. I never rest enough even when I decide not to focus on work-related tasks. Jerome

Dear Jerome
Annual leave is time for you to rest and is essential for your well-being. The reason people find themselves working while on leave is usually because agreed work and deliverables have not been completed or no contingency has been put in place to get the work done while you are away. To gain the full benefits of leave its important your leave is planned for in advance. I would recommend a four-week lead time prior to your leave date. This is sufficient time to plan and deliver any work that maybe due.
This will require you to have a discussion with your supervisor make sure there is an agreement on what work needs to be done and when it should be delivered. It is unacceptable to go on leave when work is not completed and there is no contingency plan in place to manage incomplete work.
This will result in having your leave interrupted by supervisor. You need to be aware that just because you have asked for leave for a specific time, does not mean that you will get it. Your supervisor will most likely review your request in the context of the necessary work that must be completed and then decide. It is common, during the first two to four days of your leave, for your mind to think about work.
If you have not put a plan in place while you are away they you will struggle to “switch off”. If you have, then you will find “switching off” relatively easy. Other recommendations that will ensure that you recuperate fully include; put an out of office message to you inbox so that people know you are away.

Caroline Mboijana
Managing Director
The Leadership Team (U) Ltd
[email protected]