“If you’ve hired the right people and they’re committed and loyal and they are trained and they know how to do their job, you can get them ready for you to be gone for a little while.”
Part of being a leader is developing your team and empowering them to make decisions when someone is on a leave of absence. A member of the Cockerell Academy recently asked a great question about minimizing the impact of taking time off for medical issues. This question highlights another reason to hire right, train them right, and treat them right. When you have the right people in place you can confidently give them the authority to handle things while someone is away. This means preparing for everything leading up to the absence to the transition upon returning to work.
As soon as it is known that someone will be taking a leave of absence there needs to be an honest conversation between the team and leader. By informing them of a known absence it gives time to make a clear plan for delegation and communication. Document your processes and responsibilities to make it easier for someone to step in. Anticipate important dates and deadlines, and make sure the right people are aware of your absence to avoid any surprises.
There are situations where challenging circumstances require an extended absence. If this seems to be the case, have a transparent conversation with your team. Openly address potential changes in the duration of an absence, the team can work towards minimizing undue stress and uncertainty, both for themselves and their colleagues. Having a discussion about the “what ifs” can help reduce stress and ensure everyone is on the same page.
When it comes time to transition back to work, express gratitude to the team that supported the needs during an absence. This act further enhances a positive work environment by reinforcing a culture of mutual care and support among colleagues. These situations are a perfect reminder of the importance of creating a workplace culture that acknowledges life’s unpredictability. It really shows up when the organization demonstrates genuine empathy towards employees’ personal circumstances.
Remember, taking time off is important for many reasons including health and well-being. As leaders, invest in the time to create a supportive environment where people can take care of themselves and each other without added stress or anxiety.
If you are looking to get away for an extended time I know who to call. Magical Vacation Planners can help you make the most of that absence. Let them plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
Resources
Key Moments
03:16 The art of delegation as a leader.
05:51 Effectively managing a leave of absence.
08:42 Returning from a leave of absence
09:33 Organization culture’s influence on mental health in the workplace