In the whirlwind world of Insurance it’s easy to get caught up in the relentless pursuit of career success. Yet, amidst the flurry of client meetings, policy reviews, and endless emails, it’s crucial to remember the importance of BALANCING a great career with QUALITY TIME OFF to spend time doing what you love. At Sauce Recruitment we love supporting exciting careers, but we are the first to promote moving career aspirations down the ‘to-do’ list in the name of SUMMER. The season is short in CANADA — let’s not let it be a missed opportunity to rest, recharge, or enjoy a more active lifestyle.
Embrace the Summer Vibes
It’s all too common for professionals to OVERCOMMIT to their careers, often at the expense of their personal lives. When we neglect our personal time, we risk burnout, reduced productivity, and even a diminished sense of purpose. At the end of the day, we hope you don’t see your career as a policy with too many exclusions that ends up covering nothing at all.
As insurance professionals, we work hard and we play hard and our SUMMERS are a precious opportunity to RECHARGE, reconnect, and relish in the simple joys of life. Taking simple moments to get away from the day to day is not just a luxury; it is a necessity for maintaining our WELL-BEING and PRODUCTIVITY. After all, even superheroes need a day off to launder their capes!
Tips to Intentionally Unplug and Unwind
To help you strike the sometimes elusive work-life balance, here are some practical tips to assist you in your summer focus to INTENTIONALLY UNPLUG from work:
Close Your Day on Purpose: This may seem simple, but we have been caught too many times saying we were done, but then picking up work in the evenings or on the weekends. Before you know it, work starts to take regular priority. At the end of your workday, make a CONSCIOUS EFFORT to shut down your computer, tidy up your workspace, and mentally switch off from office mode.
Go for a WALK: This is simple but effective – Instead of sitting in a meeting room with a client or business partner, try suggesting a walking meeting. If that’s not possible, schedule time outdoors on your lunch hour. Whether it’s a solo adventure or with a loved one, walking is a great way to clear your mind and get space from your desk. Just one rule, no detours into work emails allowed!
Make Plans DURING THE WEEK: Don’t save all your socializing for the weekend. Scheduling midweek get-togethers with friends is a great hack for stopping work on time. This can serve to break up the week and give you something to look forward to. Besides, nothing says ‘midweek reset’ like a Wednesday night laugh session over wings on a patio!
Schedule EARLY Plans: To ensure you leave work on time, plan activities or appointments in the early evening ( for example at 4pm rather than 6). This creates a NATURAL ENDPOINT for your workday and encourages timely departure from the office. Think of it as scheduling a ‘work-life balance premium’ that pays out daily.
Preparing for Vacation
When it comes to taking a well-deserved vacation we know the lead up can increase stress to a point where it almost doesn’t feel worth it. Here are a couple things we think work to create a seamless transition:
Plan Ahead: Try to schedule your vacation during a NON-BUSY PERIOD, if possible. This reduces the likelihood of major issues arising in your absence and you won’t be tempted to ‘pop’ into that client meeting while sitting on the beach or at the cabin.
Set Up Your Team for Success: Hold a MEETING ( rather than simply sending an email ) to review any outstanding tasks and delegate responsibilities. Clear communication ensures your team can handle things smoothly while you’re away. It also provides confirmation that the information has been communicated and not lost in the inbox. Think of this meeting as time that ‘reinsures’ your peace of mind.
Inform Your Clients: Let your ACTIVE CLIENTS know you’ll be out of town, before you publish your out-of-office message, and provide them with a point of contact in your absence. This simple step is your ‘out-of-office endorsement’ that helps your clients and other contacts respect your personal time and wait to send their requests until you return.
Notify Senior Leaders: Inform other groups or leaders about your vacation plans and ask if there are any tasks you can complete beforehand. Doing this little step can set those vacation boundaries internally, but also works to demonstrate your commitment to your career ( this is a win for both taking vacation and career building ).
Time Block Your Return: RESERVE your first day back ( or the morning ) for catching up. BLOCK OUT TIME in your calendar to review emails, get updated on ongoing projects, and ease back into your workflow. After all, you know your colleagues will be eager to hear about your exciting adventures so you might as well schedule it in.
We understand your Insurance career can feel demanding but, we recommend, you see your time off as a non-negotiable to living a balanced life. Take some of these tips and test them out this summer. We want you to enjoy the best of both worlds that makes the Insurance Industry second to none: a thriving career AND a fulfilling personal life.
Remember, a well-rested professional is the best ‘policy’ for success.
