Improve Productivity and Morale - Grant Time Off

My book Leadership Field Guide - How to Run a Kick-Ass Store Where Everyone Wants to Work - is coming soon.

Last week I got the book back from editing, and it is now in the hands of a cover designer.

If you want to gain time back, improve communication, and further your career, join the waitlist right here.

We've entered the last week of April. Which means it's almost May. Which means it's almost summer.

Not to bum you out, but 2023 is burning rubber. She's peeled out, rounded the curve, and is heading down the straightaway. I don't want to admit that, but I think it's a fact.

Graduations will happen soon, and employees will be lining up their vacations as summer heats up.

Make it really easy for your employees to take time off.

What does that mean?

Do everything in your power so they can easily take days off.

How?

I'm glad you asked.

First

Make the process of requesting time off uncomplicated. Be transparent about how the time off is approved. Approve it as soon as possible so your employees can make plans. Don't be wishy-washy. If you cannot approve it (for some VERY good reason), let your team member know and give them alternative dates for taking time off.

People don't typically vacation alone, and the more time you provide for planning, the better.

Second

Don't catch an attitude or yell at the person requesting time off. You don't own their free time, and they can have days off. If you're stressing out about people requesting time off, that is a YOU problem. Don't take it out on your team.

I got a text from a friend yesterday. She requested one day off in May, and her boss threw a fit and told her that the needs of the business come before her request.

Whoa, whoa, whoa.

You may need to hire if you can't accommodate a one-day request. It's not your employee's fault that you're not fully staffed.

Third

Encourage time away and breaks. It's better for everyone. Your team members will come back refreshed and be more productive. It boosts morale. It boosts collaboration.

When the members of my team took vacations, we were all buzzing. We wanted to see pictures and hear all about their adventure. When I went on holiday, everyone was nice enough to listen to me chat about it endlessly.

Vacations are a treat. It's what we look forward to. It's why we work. Help your team celebrate their lives and encourage them to get away.

It's easy to get caught up in all there is to do, but no one will want to help you do it if you don't support them in their personal lives.

Be cool to people. Encourage them to get away. It will boost morale, gel the team, and keep everyone engaged. There's no downside.

Now, get your vacation on the calendar too. Yah, you! Get outta here.

Get on the waitlist for the Leadership Field Guide book.

Hey, I’m Kit. I spent 20 years leading retail teams and I now write about Leadership, Retail, Web3, and Entrepreneurship.