For many business owners, taking a holiday can feel like a risk. When you’re involved in day-to-day operations, switching off may seem unrealistic. But time away isn’t just a luxury — it’s essential. It gives you the chance to recharge, think more clearly, and return with a fresh perspective.

With the right planning and support in place, stepping away doesn’t have to be stressful. As summer warms up, this guide will help you prepare your business so you can truly switch off and enjoy a well-earned break.

1. Plan Ahead Early and Thoroughly

Whether you work solo or lead a small team, start preparing at least two to four weeks before your break. This gives you time to:

• Identify key tasks to complete before you go
• Adjust deadlines that fall during your time away
• Schedule anything that can be handled in advance

Planning early puts you in control and helps you avoid last-minute stress.

2. Communicate Clearly with Clients and Contacts

Let your clients, team members, and collaborators know about your upcoming break well in advance. Be clear about:

• The date when normal operations will resume
• The point of contact during your absence, if needed
• Your availability status (fully offline, occasionally checking in, or only reachable for emergencies)

Setting these expectations helps keep things running smoothly, reduces any worries, and reflects professionalism.

3. Set Boundaries – and Stick to Them

If you plan to stay lightly connected, set limits. Checking emails ‘just in case’ can easily lead to working more than you intended. Instead:

• Create a specific check-in routine (for example, once in the morning)
• Avoid responding to non-urgent messages outside of that time

If you’re fully disconnecting, update your out-of-office message to reflect that, and make sure a trusted contact can reach you in case of a true emergency.

4. Stay on Top of Your Legal Obligations

As a company director, your legal responsibilities continue even when you’re away. Make sure any tax payments are settled before you leave. If your confirmation statement is due, either submit it early or arrange for someone to file it on your behalf. Since you’re legally accountable for missed deadlines, it’s important to stay ahead and ensure nothing is due while you’re away.

5. Plan for a Structured Return

Returning to a backlog of tasks and unanswered messages can quickly erase the benefits of your break. To make the transition smoother, take these steps before you leave:

• Make a list of open tasks that will need your attention when you return
• Block out time on your first day back for admin, emails, and catching up
• Review your schedule ahead of time to avoid a packed calendar on your return

Final Thoughts

Taking time off is a smart investment in your long-term success. Running a business doesn’t mean being available 24/7 — it means having systems in place that let you step away confidently and return refreshed.

Let MYCO Handle the Calls While You Unplug

We understand how calls can interrupt your downtime. Our telephone answering services ensure you never miss a call — so you can fully enjoy your holiday without being tied to your phone.

With MYCO, you benefit from:

• Personalised service tailored to your business needs
• Professional call handling that reflects your brand’s image
• Timely message delivery so you never miss important updates
• 24/7 coverage to keep your business connected around the clock

Take a break, while we take care of the calls.

Explore our services here.