How To Take A Stress-Free Summer Break From Your Business

Here are our top 10 tips for unplugging from your business:

1. Cash flow is especially important during the summer holidays, when you, key staff and your customers will be away. Plan ahead and do a cash flow forecast to avoid payment delays. Here are some ideas to help you prevent a summer sales slump.

2. Make sure invoices are still paid on time while you’re away otherwise you may damage your credit rating, limiting access to supplies on credit.

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3. If you’re normally the person who authorises payments, make sure someone else can approve them in your absence. Or alternatively, agree how you’ll be contacted to authorise and make payments.

4. Give a complete a proper handover in good time before you go away. Advise suppliers or customers of alternatives to their regular contacts.

5. Use your out of office email and give out details for an alternative contact. If necessary, make sure your inbox is checked regularly, perhaps by a trusted VA service.

6. Make sure remaining staff understand why they’re expected to take on extra work and cover some of your work while you’re on holiday. It’s an opportunity for your team to step up as well as to show team spirit.

7. If you can’t switch off completely, set aside a specific time each day when you’ll check in with the office. Aside from that pre-determined time, let go of work.

8. If you’re a sole trader or micro-business, arrange for a call answering service while you’re away.

9. Do a handover/back with your key staff when you return from holiday. This will get you back up to speed quickly.

10. Give yourself a day in the office to catch up with what’s been happening while you’ve been away. Aside from a handover, keep that day clear of meetings.

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We hope these tips help you to make the most of your time off.