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couple of weeks ago we shared a blog about the value of taking a vacation.
In that post, I shared that we at Successful Nonprofits® work hard to live by our values, and we value our time off! In fact, when listing our priorities as a team, taking time off is number 3 (after legal & tax compliance and supporting each other).
So, we take our out-of-office (OOO) messages very seriously. Not only do these messages let people know when they can expect to hear from you again, but they are a great opportunity to share your values and have a little fun.
Here are a few of our favorites from the last year to get your ideas rolling for your own next day off:
From: Dolph
Thanks for your email! I’m on vacation and will return on Tuesday, October 13.
Do you remember a time before email and cell phones? Back then, vacation meant there was nothing more urgent than spending time with friends and family. I sure do remember those days!
I will be unplugged from my work email and cell phone during vacation. My mail server will safely hold your email message and deliver it to me at 8:00 AM EDT on October 13.
While my vacation undoubtedly brings me more joy than it does you, rest assured that I will return on Tuesday morning with even more vim and vigor to help your nonprofit thrive!
From Lexie:
I will spend the next week building sandcastles, hunting crabs, watching for dolphins, and hoping to see a shooting star or two (my son’s dearest wish). And when I get back on 5/24, I will be physically and mentally refreshed and ready to tackle the world with you!
From Dolph:
Thanks for your email!
I’m out of the office for a colonoscopy wellness screening. I will download, read, and respond to email on Monday.
Colon cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. It is one of the most preventable types of cancer (with regular screenings). So if you’re over age 45 and haven’t had a screening in the last five years, reach out to your primary care physician and have a conversation. Here’s some fast facts on colon cancer
From Lexie:
Did you know the World Health Organization officially recognizes burnout in its Classification of Diseases? And while it isn’t a disease (they classify it as an “occupational phenomenon”), WHO’s recognition of burnout is certainly enough to get anyone thinking about steps they can take to avoid it.
So I will be taking a (very) long weekend to enjoy family and me time from Friday 3/5 through Tuesday 3/9. I will be in touch later next week, refreshed and ready to go! What steps can you take to avoid burnout?
Why I Am Writing About This
We know that breaks from work are healthy for us – for our bodies, our brains, our personal relationships, and our careers. And yet so many people still do not use their paid time off (whether they do not take it at all or they still work while on “vacation”). I have watched first-hand what can happen to individuals and their families when time off is not a priority. And it isn’t pretty. So do us all a favor and take some PTO this summer!
If you are someone who could use a little help organizing your professional life so that you can take some time off, then check out our coaching services. We’d love to help you be a healthier, happier you!
Additionally, check out the following Successful Nonprofits® resources if this post was helpful:
Podcast: Ep 182: Life After Burnout with Bethany Planton and Trish Bachman
Podcast: Ep 179: 8 Proven Ways to Feel Happier at Work with Bea Boccalandro
Blog: The Miracle of Vacations
Blog: Take a Vacation!
OOO messages let people know when they can expect to hear from you. and are a great opportunity to share your values and have a little fun. OOO, OOO