Going on holiday is not always easy when you run a company. It is said that less than 50 percent of entrepreneurs take a much-deserved break. But you have to remember: you are not any different from your employees – you need some rest and relaxation, too. Whether you are tackling an important project or worried about the day-to-day tasks, you can still find time to go on vacation if you would just plan your trip properly. Here are some tips to help you.

Find a temporary substitute

It is important to have the right person in place when you are handing off the torch. This is so customers will not even notice that you are not around. The replacement you pick should be trained and given a “test-run” as a manager for several weeks, or even months, prior to your departure. Take note to choose wisely as this could mean the difference between smooth operations and destroyed client, consumer and employee perceptions of your enterprise.

Train workers to manage

Your workforce is your most vital resource, and establishing a succession plan is crucial to keep things going. In the short-term, you should form a core group of people who know how to handle the organisation. They need to know about the different processes and emergency measures. In the long-term, you should develop reliable hiring practices and holistic management strategies. This will set the stage for a better team.

Have a business continuity plan in place

Not being ready for a disruption can have serious implications on your company so you should have a strategy for identifying and mitigating potential threats. Doing this will also ensure that you have the necessary resources for a speedy recovery. Make sure that your employees understand the plan and their roles should an unexpected event occur. They should also know where they can access important information and who they should contact.

Stay updated with your assignments

It is not always possible to fully unplug yourself from your responsibilities, especially if you have projects you are overseeing personally. For this, you will have to make arrangements for a place where you can work. An office space for the mornings should be good enough for your needs. If not, you can always consider hot desking or virtual solutions. Renting meeting rooms may have to be included in your plans if you want to meet with clients or suppliers during your trip.

Consult with industry experts

Before finalising your itinerary, you should ask for advice from accountants, attorneys and insurance agents. Each can give you tips for managing risks. For example, such information could include insight on the best times of the year to schedule your getaway or how to reinforce aspects of your disaster preparedness plan. The things you learn from these experts could be invaluable to keeping your organisation running smoothly while you are on vacation.

Pack like a pro

Many entrepreneurs make the mistake of loading up their suitcases and ending up having to pay for excess baggage fees. To avoid such a predicament, you have to learn which items are necessary and bring only those. If you are going to be away for 2 to 3 days, a carry-on might be all that you need for your gadgets and clothes. This will not only spare you the trouble of lugging around heavy bags but it will also save you time during check-ins.

As a final word of advice, you should remember to have fun. See the sights, try the local cuisine, talk to the locals, take plenty of photos – in other words, spend time for yourself for once. You are, after all, on holiday!

Written by Lester Lagahit
About the Author
With more than 1,500 business centres in 99 countries, Regus is a leading provider of flexible workspaces worldwide. They have a branch in the Philippines catering to the office space needs of local entrepreneurs.