How to Successfully Disconnect on Vacation and Set Your Team Up for Success

Katherine Tilley
Mar 8
3 min read

In today’s fast-paced work culture, truly disconnecting from work on vacation can feel impossible. Emails, Slack notifications, and last-minute crises can make it tempting to stay “just a little” connected—but that defeats the purpose of taking time off in the first place.

Research shows that taking a real break from work boosts productivity, enhances creativity, and improves overall well-being. Yet, many business owners, leaders, and employees struggle to unplug fully. So, how do you step away without worrying that things will fall apart? The key is intentional preparation and trust in your team.

Let’s explore why disconnecting matters and how to prepare your business so you can take a real break—without checking your phone every five minutes.

Why Disconnecting from Work Matters

Taking a vacation isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity for long-term success. Studies highlight the significant benefits of stepping away from work:

Improved Mental Health – A 2021 study from the American Psychological Association found that people who take vacations report lower stress levels and higher life satisfaction.
Increased Productivity & Focus – Research from the Harvard Business Review found that employees who take vacations return with better problem-solving skills and creativity than those who don’t.
Better Physical Health – The Framingham Heart Study found that men who skipped vacations were 30% more likely to have heart attacks, and similar patterns were found in women.
Stronger Team Performance – When leaders step away, teams develop greater autonomy, problem-solving skills, and resilience, making the entire organization stronger.
The challenge? Many of us struggle to fully unplug because we haven’t set up our business or teams to run smoothly without us.

How to Prepare Your Team & Business for a Proper Break

1. Plan Ahead & Set Clear Expectations

Set your vacation dates well in advance so your team has time to prepare.
Communicate early what needs to be handled before, during, and after your time off.
Define key priorities—not everything needs to happen while you’re away.

2. Delegate Responsibilities & Empower Your Team

Identify who will handle what in your absence.
Ensure that every team member knows their roles and has the tools to manage tasks.
If needed, assign a point person for urgent decisions and communicate this to key stakeholders.

3. Create an Emergency Plan (Without Being Always Available)

Set clear guidelines on what qualifies as an actual emergency.
Provide your team with resources, checklists, and decision-making frameworks
If necessary, establish a single contact method for extreme situations—but reinforce that it should only be used when absolutely needed.

4. Automate & Systematize Where Possible

Schedule emails, social posts, or newsletters in advance.
Set up an out-of-office auto-reply that directs people to the appropriate contacts.
Use project management tools (like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com) to keep tasks organized while you're away.

5. Truly Disconnect—No Half-Measures

Turn off notifications and avoid checking in unless absolutely necessary.
Consider removing work apps from your phone temporarily.
Set boundaries—if you tell your team you’re unplugging, lead by example and stick to it.

Final Thoughts: Taking a Break Is an Investment in Your Business

Taking a fully unplugged vacation isn’t just about personal well-being—it’s a strategic investment in your team, your business, and your long-term success. When you set up your workplace to function without you, you create a stronger, more resilient team while ensuring you return recharged, focused, and ready to lead effectively.

Need help implementing systems that support workplace well-being? Workjoy helps businesses develop strategies for leadership resilience, delegation, and employee well-being so that taking a break isn’t just possible—it’s sustainable.

Download this free Taking Time Off: The Ultimate Out-of-Office Checklist.

Book a free consultation with The Workjoy Company to learn how to build a healthier, high-performing workplace.