Chris Palmer’s Post

I have just returned from a rejuvenating vacation exploring European towns and cities and something felt refreshingly different this time. For the first time in 15 years I no longer own a corporate work phone that accompanies me everywhere I go, including my holidays! To be clear - over the years no one forced or required me to take a phone on vacation with me however, I somehow had convinced myself that I was someone who “preferred to keep up with my email“ rather than return to a sea of unread mail. I somehow let myself believe that I was “keeping up my side of things”. I don’t know how or why I adopted this practice but in hindsight, for me at least, I now realize it was flawed thinking. On this trip, I was fully, 100% immersed in pure relaxation.No beeping notifications, no urge to constantly check emails, no long distance phone calls and even calling in to meetings - just me, the sunshine, and the joy of being fully present in the moment. This digital detox, another layer of my previous self that I am shaking off, reminded me of how important it is to recharge, gain fresh perspectives and prioritize my life as important. Only WE can set and own our boundaries and prioritize our self-care however, no matter how much we do this, corporate life and the dynamic day to day nature of our businesses often has a sneaky way of creeping up on us and making us forget! if you are like I was and as we enter vacation season - here’s your reminder that true productivity and contributing value isn't about being tethered to a device 24/7 but is about consciously and intentionally achieving a healthy balance (whatever that may be for you) that fuels both our professional success and personal well-being. As leaders we have a responsibility to role model this. Are you phone-free on vacation? How do you achieve balance ? Share your thoughts below! #DigitalDetox #WorkLifeBalance #VacationTime #Leadership #Coaching #EmployeeExperience

Had a long weekend away in Ireland Small breaks can lead to significant uplifts in your life and work. Instead of counting down months, you're packing your bags every other month for that change of scenery. They're short, sweet, and surprisingly effective at recharging the batteries. The art lies in finding that sweet spot between relaxation and activity. Why opt for shorter breaks more often? They're economically smarter, easier to plan, and less disruptive to our work-life balance. Frequent countdowns to your next weekend getaway boost overall morale and productivity. Creating a rhythm of work and leisure that keeps you motivated and balanced. Ready to rethink your holiday strategy?

🌟 Embracing Weekend Retreats: Boosting Work Productivity 🌟 Hey everyone, Let's talk about the power of weekend getaways! I recently took a trip to the mountains and it was a game-changer. Surrounded by nature's beauty, I felt so relaxed and refreshed. This break wasn't just about fun, it had a real impact on my work life too. When I got back to the office, I was surprised at how much more focused and productive I felt. Taking time off to recharge isn't a luxury, it's essential for our well-being and productivity. So, next time you're feeling overwhelmed, consider a weekend retreat. Trust me, it's worth it! 🏔️💼 #WorkLifeBalance #SelfCare #ProductivityBoost

In today’s fast-paced business world, where the lines between work and life blur each day, taking time away from work is not just a luxury but a necessity. Here’s why stepping back is crucial for our professional growth and how we can use our vacation time to its fullest potential: Recharge and Reset: Continuous work without breaks leads to burnout, diminishing both our physical and mental health. When we return, time off allows us to recharge, leading to increased productivity, creativity, and overall well-being. Enhanced Perspective: Stepping away from the daily grind allows us to reflect on our goals, challenges, and achievements. This distance can often bring clarity, inspire new ideas, and help us return with a renewed focus and perspective. Strengthened Relationships: Vacation time is an opportunity to reconnect with family and friends, enriching our personal lives. These relationships are fundamental to our happiness and can often be neglected due to work commitments. Personal Growth: Travel and leisure activities expose us to new experiences, cultures, and learning opportunities. This growth enriches us personally and enhances our empathy, adaptability, and problem-solving skills professionally. Setting an Example: By prioritizing time off, leaders can set a healthy work-life balance culture within their organizations. This encourages employees to take their well-deserved breaks, leading to a more motivated, satisfied, and productive team. How to Make the Most of Your Vacation Time: Plan Ahead: Ensure your projects and responsibilities are covered in your absence. This preparation allows you to disconnect fully, knowing everything is under control. Unplug: Resist the urge to check work emails or messages. Disconnecting from work communications is crucial for a true mental break. Pursue Interests: Engage in activities that you enjoy or try something new. Whether exploring a new destination, reading, or pursuing a hobby, make your vacation personally enriching. Reflect: Use some of this time to think about your professional journey and future aspirations. This reflection can invigorate your career path with new goals and motivations. Vacation time is not a perk; it’s a vital aspect of our professional life that sustains our passion, creativity, and drive. Let’s embrace our time off not as a sign of stepping back but as a strategic step forward in our careers. 🌍✈️ #WorkLifeBalance #VacationTime #ProfessionalGrowth #MentalHealth

As professionals, we're often caught up in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, striving for success and pushing ourselves to achieve more. However, it's crucial to recognize the importance of taking breaks and allowing ourselves the opportunity to recharge. I recently embarked on a vacation, not just as a getaway, but as a deliberate act of self-care and rejuvenation. Stepping away from the office and immersing myself in a different environment has provided me with invaluable perspectives and insights. During this time, I've disconnected from the demands of work and allowed myself to fully embrace the present moment. Whether it's lounging on a sun-kissed beach or exploring vibrant city streets, each experience has been a reminder of the beauty and wonder that surrounds us. Vacations offer more than just relaxation; they provide an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. Stepping out of our comfort zones and immersing ourselves in new cultures and experiences can broaden our horizons and foster a greater sense of empathy and understanding. Moreover, taking breaks has been scientifically proven to enhance productivity and creativity. By giving our minds the chance to rest and rejuvenate, we return to work with renewed energy and focus, ready to tackle challenges with fresh perspectives. In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to fall into the trap of constant busyness, but we must remember that our well-being should always come first. So, I encourage you to prioritize self-care and embrace the power of vacationing. Whether it's a short weekend getaway or an extended trip abroad, make time to disconnect, recharge, and rediscover the joys of life outside of work. As I prepare to return to the office, I do so with a renewed sense of purpose and passion. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have taken this time for myself, and I look forward to bringing the lessons learned and the memories made back into my professional and personal life. Here's to embracing the beauty of vacationing and nurturing our well-being, one trip at a time. #VacationMode #SelfCare #WorkLifeBalance 🌴✨

Finding Balance: The Surprising Joy of Returning to Work 🌴✨ We all cherish those moments of bliss during vacation—sun-kissed beaches, breathtaking landscapes, and the sweet luxury of doing absolutely nothing. However, those times off can be more than you think: taking vacation time might just be the secret ingredient to reignite the passion for our work. ☁️ After an extended break filled with relaxation and rejuvenation, have you ever found yourself in the unexpected position of eagerly anticipating your return to the professional arena. The leisurely days spent unwinding allowed you to reflect, recharge, and gain a fresh perspective on your goals and aspirations. 🔄 It's fascinating how stepping away from our routine can grant us the clarity needed to appreciate the value of our work. The break isn't just about escaping the daily grind; it becomes a transformative pause that can rekindle enthusiasm and creativity. 🌐 So, here's to the revelation that taking ample vacation time isn't just about clocking out; it's about clocking in with a renewed sense of purpose. It's about returning to our professional lives with a newfound energy to tackle challenges, generate innovative ideas, and collaborate with colleagues. 💼 Finding the right balance between work and leisure is crucial. Taking breaks allows us to prevent burnout, gain perspective, and ultimately enhance our productivity and job satisfaction. 🚀 As we navigate the ebb and flow of work and play, let's celebrate the symbiotic relationship between the two. Whether it's a short weekend getaway or an extended vacation, each moment away has the potential to become a catalyst for professional growth and fulfillment. 🙌 Have you ever found yourself eagerly looking forward to returning to work after a vacation? Let's embrace the power of balance and cultivate a work-life dynamic that fuels our passions and propels us to new heights! #WorkLifeBalance #VacationReflections #RenewedEnergy #ProfessionalGrowth 🌐🌟

Today I am back to work! :-) Returning to work after a vacation maight be tricky for some, but it`s an excellent chance to inject new energy and perspectives into your daily routine. Here are some quick tips from me!   Restart: Allocate time to update yourself with emails and recent developments. Prioritize your tasks by their urgency.   Reflect: Consider your work-life balance that were beneficial before your vacation and if you need to to some changes. What habits did you enjoyed during your vacation? and how could you integrate these positive habits into your regular schedule and work-life balance.   Set Goals: Define clear goals for your initial week to restore productivity without becoming overwhelmed.   Reconnect: Take the opportunity to catch up with your colleagues and rekindle teamwork.   Maintain Balance: We all are our "best me" when we have balance. Plan your healthy work-life balance by establishing boundaries and dedicating time for rest and recharge.   Welcome back to work! :-) With these suggestions, I trust you'll find your rhythm again, and prepared to approach your week. If this is not working, whats your best tips and trixs? #backtowork #dreamteam #lovemywork #Fortum #leadership #Diversity #inclusion #newjobb #worklifebalance #energy

Imagine unlocking a level of productivity you never thought possible. Vacation isn't just downtime; it’s the secret weapon to high performance. While hustle culture glorifies non-stop work, science paints a different picture. Studies reveal that strategic breaks, especially vacations, significantly boost creativity, problem-solving skills, and overall job performance. It’s the pause that recharges your brain, giving you the edge you didn’t know you were missing. Think about it. When was the last time a great idea struck you while you were at your desk, versus out in the world, experiencing life away from the pressures of work? Vacations offer a unique blend of rest, new experiences, and perspective that can invigorate our minds and drive us to achieve more than we ever could by simply grinding away. So, next time you’re feeling stuck or burnt out, remember that stepping away might just be the step up you need.

Two years ago, I planned a weekend getaway to escape the constant grind of running my software solutions company. I thought it would just be a brief respite from the relentless pace. But it turned out to be much more. During a hike, I realized something profound: The clarity and ideas I gained in those two days were more valuable than weeks spent in the office. 𝘏𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘥: •Perspective Shift: Stepping away helped me see challenges from a new angle, leading to innovative solutions. •Recharged Energy: I returned with renewed energy and enthusiasm, which translated into better leadership and productivity. •Quality Time: Spending quality time with loved ones reminded me why I work so hard in the first place. Since then, I’ve made it a priority to balance work with personal time. Practical tips that worked for me: ✔️Regular short breaks throughout the day. ✔️Weekly no-work evenings dedicated to family. ✔️Quarterly weekend getaways to disconnect and recharge. 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘬-𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢 𝘣𝘶𝘻𝘻𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥; 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴.

🏝 5 tips to ease back into the office after vacation… Now, I don’t want to rub it in… But I’ve just got back from 12 days in Madrid, Lisbon and the Algarve in Portugal. And oh man it was… 🤩☀️🏝 But now of course I want to keep those vacay vibes going! So here are my 5 tips to ease back into work after a vacation, break or any kind of time away: 🤩 Take 𝐚𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭 ONE buffer day to unpack and unwind… 😉 … And set limited meetings. (You don’t need to prove you’re back with a hustle mindset.) 😎 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 not a luxury — so discover, uncover, and set meetings later to address priorities 😀 Put your well-being at the top of the list, and resist that urge to ‘do it all’. Take breaks throughout the day and celebrate what’s working (even if it’s messy!) 😍 Connect to what matters most, and take time to share vacation snaps, relive your memories — and promote time off in your culture… In fact, it all boils down to this: remember that sense of wonder at being somewhere brand new and exciting?  Tap into it, whenever you need a sense of peace and purpose. (And I’ll report back in a month and let you know how it’s going...) 😉 #Leadership #Management #PersonalDevelopment #Inspiration #Motivation #Vacation