Geoff Augutis from Queensland Computers recommentds switching off from work technology during the festive season.
With Christmas 2019 just days away, many are fortunate enough to be taking some well-deserved leave from work.
Whether this spells an adventure holiday or to just rest and recuperation, you probably don’t want to have work on the mind.
Once upon a time, leave from work would mean no access to phones, faxes and letters.
Things have changed. With the joys of an ever-connected world comes the challenge of always being ‘on’.
The last thing you want when on leave is to be getting phoned, emailed, texted, facebooked, snap-chatted and the list goes on.
So, what can we do to truly get a break?
Turn it all off: Okay, so this one isn’t for everyone.
If you are someone who can avoid the technology and outside world you may be surprised at the results.
This might be a great time of year to not answer the phone or check your emails.
Set expectations: Whether your plan is to turn off or merely not have to respond same day, you are in control of the message you send to the world.
Set your email away message and explain the course of action to the recipient.
“I’m away until Jan 6 with no access to phone or email” or “I’m away until Jan 6, text me if important”.
Tidy up beforehand: If you know you are taking leave, put the effort into wrapping up all the loose ends.
You will feel better for it and those who are depending on you will appreciate it too.
Ultimately this will stop people from hassling you.
Set a person of contact: Many of our roles require us to be on call.
Rather than having everyone contact you when they feel, have a point of escalation at work who will only contact you when it is necessary.
The work tech we have at our fingertips these days allows us to work from anywhere at any time.
This doesn’t mean that we should. We all need a break from work and tech, maybe 2019 is the year to try.
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But but but I’ve got my firewall script I need to update, I’ve been waiting for the break to do it and I have some Rest API scripts I’ve been wanting to modify but never have time so I was planning on doing it next week when I’m off work ..
Good advice Geoff but you should have told me this in the late 70’s. It’s too late, I can’t switch off any more.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for the columns, I always enjoy reading them and I do learn some stuff plus I like your advice it is almost always spot on!!!
Merry Christmas!