Consider doing this to reduce return-to-work stress 👇🏾
Write a return-to-work auto-reply email to let your colleagues and clients know that you are catching up on existing emails/requests and will need time to respond to any new emails/requests.
This quick and easy step will:
Help make your return to work less stressful and more productive
Allow you to focus on catching up without the distracting pressure to read and reply to incoming emails right away
Encourage you to set boundaries and communicate your needs with the people that work with (this is especially important if you tend to come back to a ton of emails!)
If it's been awhile since you've used your PTO
Three words: USE IT, BOO!
I read an article earlier this year that made it very clear that we aren't using our PTO enough. These stats blew my mind:
46% of U.S. workers who receive paid time off from their employer – whether for vacation, doctor’s appointments or minor illnesses – take less time than they are offered
Women are more likely than men to say that feeling badly about co-workers taking on additional work is a reason they take less time off than offered (48% vs. 39%).
Black workers are more likely than White workers to say that the risk of losing their job is a reason they take less time off than what is offered (21% vs. 13%).
Lawd. These stats struck a whole nerve. Ya girl is guilty as charged.
In the early days of my corporate career, I didn't use my PTO for some of these very reasons. I was a young Black woman who started her career in investment banking (a predominantly older, white male space) and felt the pressure to always be ‘on’ and feared that taking time off could hurt my chances of a promotion.
Did I get the promotions? Sure did. But guess what also happened?
BURNOUT. And it wasn't cute.
If you're reading this and thinking. ‘Me too, Ari' - let's change that.
Is it time for you to take PTO? Let's find out…
Here are 6 questions I ask myself to know if it's time to hit the pause button and take my well-deserved time off (this has been a game-changer for me in the past 5 years):
Am I Feeling Exhausted? If I find myself running on empty, it's time to refuel. I take a break, recharge, and return with all the renewed energy.
Have I Been Neglecting Self-Care? If I've been putting myself last and struggling with meeting my basic wellness needs, I'll take PTO as a way to invest in my well-being.
Is My Creativity Stalling? Creativity flourishes in a rested mind. If I've been hitting a creative roadblock, a change of scenery during PTO is the perfect catalyst.
Are My Relationships Suffering? Whether it's family, friends, or colleagues, my connections matter. Taking time off allows me to nurture and strengthen these bonds.
Am I Losing Focus? Burnout can lead to a decline in productivity. If I find it challenging to concentrate, stepping back helps me regain focus and clarity.
Is my Work-Life Balance Way Off? I expect busy work seasons. But if work is overshadowing other aspects of my life for an extended period of time, it's time for a well-deserved break.
Soooo how did you do?
If you answered ‘YES’ to any of the questions above, it's time to put in that PTO request, boo. It could be 1 day while the kids are in daycare or at school. It could be 3 days or a whole week. It could be next week, next month, or next year.
Remember that taking PTO is not just about a physical break; it's about investing in your mental and emotional well-being. Your productivity, creativity, and overall happiness will thank you :)
