Ask Ash: holiday pressures

Dear Ash,

My annual holiday is scheduled in the coming weeks, but I feel under enormous pressure to cancel, as a new project has landed on my desk and my manager has recently decided to take annual leave around the same time as me too! I am determined not to let my family down as our holiday was planned some time back, but I’m also not sure that I’ll be able to fully relax. 

Ash replies:

Ironically the stress that you are currently experiencing means that it is even more vital for you to take a break and go on holiday, so please do not feel guilty about taking time off.

There are studies which advocate the benefits of a holiday for our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, with improved blood pressure, stress levels, energy levels and emotional stability. However, it is important that you are able to switch off while away too, in order to feel the full benefits.

There is normally an expectation at this time of the year that project timelines may need to factor in holiday leave. I therefore suggest that you review the key priorities for the project and then outline realistic timelines to accommodate holiday leave. If you phone around other key stakeholders you may find that a number could be on annual leave around the same time as you in any case, and this should allow you to prioritise.

Also consider delegating to a more junior member of staff to at least review emails while you are away; and confirm that you can be contacted by phone at certain times of the day, if any critical issues arise which cannot await your return. This way you can try to relax by knowing that any critical issues can be notified to you, if required.

Happy holidays!

“Ash” is a solicitor who is willing to answer work-related queries from solicitors and other legal professionals, which can be put to her via the editor: peter@connectmedia.cc. Confidence will be respected and any advice published will be anonymised.

Please note that letters to Ash are not received at the Law Society of Scotland.

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