Time Off is Part of the Job
By Sophie Makonnen
Have you taken a vacation this year? We’re already eight months into the year. If the answer is no—or “sort of, but I checked emails”—you’re not alone. For many of us, vacation can feel more like a luxury than a necessity.
But there’s more to it: taking time away from work isn’t just about relaxing. It’s also vital for being an effective leader and building a healthy team.
Here’s why:
Clarity needs distance
Time off helps clear your mind. Even a brief change of scenery can help you see things from a different perspective. Often, you only notice solutions or real problems when you step away.
Your actions set the tone
Your actions speak louder than words. If you never take time off, your team may feel they shouldn’t either. When leaders show it’s okay to rest, it gives others permission to do the same. This helps create a culture that values balance over burnout.
What Your Time Off Reveals About Your Leadership
Taking a vacation can show how your team works together. If things stop when you’re gone, it may be time to look at how decisions are shared or what you’re holding onto.
I still remember my first leadership role (Yes , last century 😊). I came back from vacation and a team member said: “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize how much you were doing.”
It was both a compliment and a wake-up call: I had to learn to step back and trust the team, who was great (and to stop trying to control everything, I guess). Anyway, it was a wake-up call, and I still remember him sitting in front of me and telling me that. I respected the new limits, and because of that, I’m sure we both got better at our jobs. And honestly, he did a great job—probably as well as I would have… maybe even better. But don’t tell him I said that. 😉
Opportunity to build trust
A real break gives your team a chance to step up. When you come back, you may find They’ve handled things, made decisions, solved problems. This trust builds confidence for everyone and can reveal strengths you hadn’t seen before.
But not all time off is equal
Getting ready for vacation can be stressful. Finishing deadlines, handing off work, and planning travel can make it feel like you need another break just to recover.
A study in the Netherlands found that travelers who experienced high pre-trip stress or stressful logistics during their vacation felt less happy and more tired upon their return. But shorter, lower-stress breaks had better outcomes.
Jan Packer, at the University of Queensland, found that even 3–4 day trips can significantly improve cognitive performance and sense of restoration, especially when people fully disconnect from work and home obligations.
So how do you make a vacation worthwhile?
Keep things simple. You don’t need a detailed 10-day plan. Sometimes, a long weekend without your laptop is all you need.
Protect the time. Don’t book catch-up calls on your return day. Give yourself breathing room when you come back.
Let people know you’re away—and trust them to manage.
Try to unplug completely if you can. Even one full day offline can help you feel refreshed.
No matter where you are in your work, take this as a reminder: taking time off isn’t wasted. It could be just what your career needs right now.
Short and sweet this week—because I’m doing exactly what I’m encouraging. A break, no inbox, no “just checking in. It’s a hard stop for a couple of days! 😊. Until next week.
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