Planning your vacation
Back in March, I talked about taking vacations and how it was important for your mental health. But it's also important to plan your vacations, so sudden absences don't become disruptive.
Now in November, we are entering the holiday season. As you look ahead on the calendar to late-November, late-December, and New Year's holidays, please think about how you will use your vacation. Discuss your vacation plans in advance with your teammates and your manager, so everyone knows when you will be gone, and for how long.
Vacations are important. At the U, we have a very generous vacation policy, and I encourage everyone to use your vacation wisely.
But when you take a vacation, I encourage you to find ways to separate yourself from work. It's very tempting to check email while on break, to avoid being inundated with email upon your return. But vacations count for little in maintaining our work-life balance if you continue to do "work" things on your holiday time. Enjoy your vacation, you've earned it.