Autodesk Life
As the holiday season approaches, many of us are looking forward to spending time with loved ones, indulging in delicious food, and taking a break from the busyness of everyday life. But for many, disconnecting from work can be a challenge – especially if they feel obligated to stay connected to their jobs even during their time off.
As part of Autodesk’s “Flex Forward” approach to a hybrid work environment, this year we’re having periods of global synchronous time off, where most employees are offline at the same time. This makes it easier to disconnect fully and not be worried about returning to a lot of emails and work that happened while away.
This year, we have global company holidays from December 19-23, and many locations will also enjoy an annual “Week of Rest” from December 26-30.* This time away helps us recharge and be ready to show up as our best selves in the new year!
For some, taking time off can feel like a task in itself. However, hitting the reset button through rest, relaxation, and exercise is critical to preventing burnout and mental health issues. Here are five ways we encourage Autodeskers to meaningfully disconnect while they’re not working (any time of year):
1. Refrain from checking your email and mute notifications across platforms.
Worrying about work-related tasks can prevent you from fully disconnecting from your job and enjoying your time off. This can lead to increased stress and a feeling of being overwhelmed, which can cancel out the benefits of taking time off. Instead, try to set aside dedicated “tech-free” time each day to unplug and unwind.
2. Communicate your working hours with your team, and through automatic replies.
Doing so can help everyone plan and coordinate their own schedules and tasks. This can also help avoid misunderstandings and prevent people from expecting more immediate responses to emails or requests. Being transparent about availability can help create an open and supportive work environment.
3. Make plans unrelated to work.
This can provide the opportunity to engage in activities and experiences that bring you joy and help you de-stress, improving your overall well-being and helping you return to work feeling more fulfilled.
4. Take a nap. (No, seriously!)
According to the National Sleep Foundation, naps can be a way to refresh and recharge mid-day. A short nap (20 minutes) allows your mind and body to rest without entering the deeper stages of sleep.
5. Spend time doing something that helps you recharge.
This can be a great time to try new activities and hobbies like exercising, meditating, reading a book, or doing something creative. Take some time each day to enjoy things that make you happy and help you relax.
Disconnecting from work can be a challenge, but it is a crucial step to take in order to truly enjoy your vacation. By setting healthy boundaries, unplugging from technology, and engaging in fun and relaxing activities, you can make the most of your time off.
*Autodesk benefits may vary by location. Learn more about Autodesk’s U.S. benefits here.