Leaving the office behind: Your 10-step out-of-office Checklist

Are you counting down the days until your next vacation or break from work? Whether you’re travelling for business, jetting off to an exotic destination, or going to lounge on your couch all day, one thing is for sure: you need an out-of-office (OOO) checklist. A good OOO checklist can be the difference between a stress-free vacation and a never-ending stream of work e-mails. Plus, it’s a great way to make sure you remember everything important. 

As an organisation, BYJU’S believes in making efforts towards more flexible work arrangements, especially while you are Out of Office. It’s important to have an OOO checklist to make sure you’re prepared and nothing falls through the cracks.  

If you’re ready to make your next out-of-office adventure a success, buckle up and take some notes. We’ve got all the tips and tricks you need to make sure you’re prepared for anything that comes your way, so get ready to take your out-of-office game to the next level.

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Set your OOO email:

Ensure you create an email auto-reply to notify your colleagues of your absence from the office. The auto-reply should include the dates you will be gone, the contact details of your backup, and any additional important information.

Update your calendar:

Make sure your calendar reflects your out-of-office time. This will help ensure that people are aware when they schedule meetings or other events and can plan accordingly.

Make a to-do list:

Make a list of all the tasks you need to complete before you go. This will help ensure that you don’t forget anything important.

Inform others way ahead:

Respect your co-workers and managers by giving them advance notice of your absence. Inform everyone involved 1-2 weeks ahead of time, especially if you have an important deadline or project to deliver.

Handover tasks:

If there are tasks that can’t wait until you return, delegate urgent jobs before leaving, and share the contact information of the SPOCs with the team. 

Wrap up your tasks:

Complete your pending projects before going on break. Avoid loose ends that may burden your co-workers, and cause undue stress when you should be relaxing. Knowing that you don’t have any unfinished business will ensure your peace of mind.

Tidy your desk:

To boost your work mood upon return, declutter your folders, organize your desk, and clean your screens and keyboard. Dispose off unwanted items, like papers or other trash, and check for leftover pizza to avoid unpleasant surprises for your co-workers.

Prep for your return:

As you prepare for your time off, it’s important to identify the tasks that will require your attention upon your return to work. This way, you won’t be overwhelmed and be able to hit the ground running as soon as you’re back. 

Set boundaries:

If you’re going on vacation, make sure to set boundaries to truly disconnect and enjoy your time off. This might include turning off your work phone or e-mail notifications.

Enjoy your time off:

Finally, remember to enjoy your time off! Taking a break is important for your mental and physical health, and it will help you return to work feeling refreshed and energised.

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In a nutshell, having an out-of-office checklist is like having a personal assistant that ensures you’re well-prepared for your time away from work. By following the above tips, you’ll be more relaxed, knowing that your work is taken care of. You’ll be able to enjoy your time off without any nagging concerns about what you might be missing back at the office. Make that checklist and get ready to have some much-deserved fun!

Do you have a fail-proof OOO checklist for every time you take a break? We would love to know your tips and tricks. Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.