The Vacation Dilemma at Work
Time Off: Strategies for Preventing Discontent, Conflict, and Tension in Teams During Vacations
Germany - A much-needed break for some can translate into a stressful situation for those who are left behind in the office, dealing with additional workload due to their colleagues' vacations. Here's how to keep the morale high in such circumstances.
1. Set Goals and Prioritize Tasks
planned well in advance. In lean staff situations, it's crucial to prioritize projects and work ahead, says Teresa Stockmeyer, a team development consultant based in Hamburg. This means: Which tasks should take precedence, especially due to specific deadlines? What can wait a few days? Which tasks can be tackled in parts? And most importantly, teams should establish clear substitute rules that allocate responsibilities and emphasize mutual support.
2. Promote Recognition and Camaraderie
"Recognition of the efforts of those left behind is vital in motivating and reducing frustration," says Fabian Krapf, Managing Partner at IFBG (formerly: Institute for Occupational Health Consulting). Flexible working hours, home office options, or team gatherings can help prevent overload. "A supportive work environment and a strong team spirit also reinforce resilience in demanding scenarios."
A little humor and a shared lunch break can create a positive atmosphere, and small tokens of appreciation, like catered snacks, can go a long way in boosting spirits.
3. Empower Self-Care and Mindfulness
To tackle stressful periods at work, it's important to focus on personal well-being. This includes being aware of one's own limits, taking regular breaks, and engaging in mindfulness exercises. Self-care also entails eating well, staying hydrated, and getting enough restful sleep.
4. Communicate Effectively with Management
If the workload becomes too much to manage during vacation periods, it's crucial to communicate concerns to your supervisor. "The key to effective communication is open, clear, respectful, and solution-oriented dialogue," says Fabian Krapf. Offer concrete suggestions on how to address the overload and work as a team to alleviate the burden and maintain stability.
5. Reframe Expectations and Stay Focused
Ask yourself what matters most during such periods and focus on achieving achievable goals. Creating a 'Not-To-Do' list, highlighting the tasks you won't take on during a particular time, can help manage workload more effectively. Furthermore, embrace the mindset that accepting minor imperfections is inevitable in challenging situations with a reduced workforce.
Enrichment Insights:
Strategic Planning and Forecasting
- Forecast workload peaks and use data-driven methods to plan staffing accordingly.
- Keep employees informed about expectations and temporary role adjustments.
Agile Work Arrangements
- Offer flexible scheduling options like shift swaps and remote work.
- Consider a blended workforce model, including temporary or contract workers during peak periods.
Resourceful Training and Development
- Cross-train employees to increase workforce agility and decrease reliance on specific individuals.
- Invest in upskilling programs to equip employees with efficient workload handling skills.
Bolstering Employee Support and Morale
- Recognize and reward employees for their extra efforts during tough times.
- Implement mentorship programs to help employees adapt to new responsibilities.
Managing Expectations and Prioritizing Tasks
- Set realistic goals and ensure expectations are aligned with available resources.
- Focus on high-priority tasks, delegate or defer lower priority tasks as needed.
- Integrating a focus on health-and-wellness and workplace-wellness in the office can help reduce stress during vacation periods, as employees practice mindfulness exercises, engage in self-care, and maintain a balanced lifestyle.
- The promotion of home-and-garden activities can aid employees in managing stress outside the workplace, as gardening and home improvement projects can provide a therapeutic outlet and improve overall well-being.
- Science suggests that a positive lifestyle, which includes hobbies, interests, and personal pursuits, can contribute to increased resilience and wellness in the face of work challenges, providing a much-needed boost to productivity and morale.
