Going on Vacation? A Business Owner's Checklist

Even business owners need a vacation -- especially now, with the weather heating up and the days getting pleasantly longer. Not only is a vacation a great way to decompress, but it can often be beneficial for your business. You'll come back recharged, and your business will be more valuable than ever as a result.

But before you make a mad dash to pack your bathing suit and snorkel gear, remember that you're still leaving a business behind temporarily, and there are things that need to be taken care of beforehand.

So if you're going on vacation, here's an out-of-office checklist for business owners:

• Turn on automatic email replies. This gives you some cushion in case you can't get to your email right away during your time off. (Also, why should you be checking email at all? You're on vacation!)
• Update all social media outlets. These days, social media is often the primary mode of staying up-to-date on a business' public activity. If your absence is going to result in shorter business hours or closing up shop for a few days, make sure you notify the public to avoid angry customers.
• Take care of all other business on your calendar. To avoid any liability issues during the time you're gone, make sure that you don't have any pressing responsibilities during your days off that you need to attend to. If so, make sure to the task is delegated or taken care of before you leave.
• Make sure that all your employees are prepared. Not only should you plan for things that need to be taken care of in your absence, but also remind your employees about what they should and shouldn't be doing while you're gone. Going that extra step can save you a lot of possible trouble in the future. This especially applies if you have any new hires.
• Plan for a "cheat day" at the end. In other words, tell everyone you'll be back a day later than when you're really returning. This will give you a chance to fully recover from your much-deserved vacation, and be extra refreshed when you finally get back to work.

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Related Resources:

• Vacation and Sick Leave (FindLaw)
• Why 50% of Small Biz Owners Forgo Vacation (FindLaw's Free Enterprise)
• Paid Vacation laws: No Legal Right to Time Off (FindLaw's Free Enterprise)
• Fewer Small Businsses Taking Summer Vacation (FindLaw's Free Enterprise)