Why it's good to switch off over Christmas

It can be hard as a business owner to relax over the holidays. After all, just because it’s Christmas, the world doesn’t stop turning. There’s work to do, targets to hit, plans to make…

It’s easy to fall into the trap of equating long hours with proper work, but is it really healthy or even productive to work without ceasing, and what message does that send to your employees and customers?

Here’s why we think you should consider winding down and taking a break over Christmas.

Better productivity

If you need a good business reason for taking a break this Christmas, what better than increased productivity?

The health and wellbeing effects of overworking are well documented, and research shows that two thirds of workers feel more productive after taking a break. Giving employees – and yourself – time to wind down, de-stress and relax can reinvigorate them for the New Year.

Work life balance

Taking the time to step back from work, to spend time with friends and family, go away, or just take a breather at home can help to restore your work life balance.

It can help to put things in perspective, to clear your mind, and help you refocus for your return to work.

Understanding that there is more to life than work can help you to put things into context, keep you happier, healthier and, ultimately – as per the point above – more productive.

Your customers, suppliers and partners aren’t working

Depending on the industry you’re working in, you may find that the people you interact with on a daily basis have all gone home for the holidays.

If they’re not working, why not take the opportunity to shut the office, switch the lights off, and start again in the New Year?

After all, how productive are you likely to be anyway?

Think of your employees

If you want your employees to take a break, shutting for a few days is an obvious solution.

And taking a break yourself will also set a good example. It will let your employees know that it’s OK for them to take time off too, which, for the reasons listed above, is a good thing.

It’s also worth asking yourself how much work employees are likely to get done over Christmas anyway. The likelihood is they’ll be far from their most productive during this period, spending much of their working day wishing they were at home.

Save money

If business is going to be light over Christmas, closing down for the week can help you save on heating, lighting and other overheads.

Why keep a half-empty office open at a time of lower productivity?

Bright ideas

How many great ideas have you had when you’ve been distracted by the daily grind at work?

Taking time away gives you the opportunity to reflect on the last year. What’s gone well? What would you change? What would you do differently with hindsight?

By taking yourself away from the distractions of work and putting yourself in a totally different environment, creative ideas may start to flow. Don’t underestimate giving your mind a break too.

What are your plans for this Christmas? Will it be business as usual, or are you planning on winding down for the holidays? Let us know in the comments below.