You have worked hard all year long and a well-deserved vacation is in order. Whether you’re dreaming of lying on the beach, spending time in the mountains or just relaxing at home, you might be worried about really taking a break from your busy life at the salon.

Vacations are a time to unplug from the daily grind; it’s a time to recharge our personal battery and to be able to return to work re-energized and re-focused. However, for many, being able to disconnect entirely is hard. We often fall prey to checking telephones, emails, text messages and/or calling into to the salon or spa. 

Unplugging from work while on vacation can be difficult, especially if you’re trying to build your business, fill your appointment books, or build relationships with your customer base. After all, you might need a vacation, but your customers still need their haircut, facials, and nail services.

To help you completely unplug from the salon or spa while on vacation, it will take some planning and a great deal of self-discipline on your part. If you find you're not in a position to unplug 100%, there are ways to check-in without it consuming your rest and relaxation time.

1. Make a plan- When considering your vacation timeline, I suggest you take into consideration the busy times in the salon or spa. You will probably want to pick a date during the slow months. Taking a vacation around back to school, holidays, or prom season might be more challenging as your services will be in high demand.   
2. Communicate with customers- They say communication is critical in every relationship and it certainly plays an essential role in disconnecting when you’re on vacation.  Once you have your vacation dates set, begin the process of communicating with your customers. Make sure your customers have booked their future appointments before you leave on vacation. Ensure they have their services completed and are taken care of while you're out of the salon, even if this means setting up their next appointment with a different professional in your salon or spa. You should always personally communicate with them and place a sign at your station, to serve as a friendly visual reminder of when you'll be "out of office." If your customers actively follow your social media accounts and use those channels to make appointments or communicate with you, make sure you make a post explaining that you're on vacation and what they should do to get in contact with you or your salon and spa team. 
3. Use the buddy system- Even though you have planned and communicated with your customers, you will still have a few customers that need last minute services while you're on vacation. To help provide outstanding service, recommend a fellow-service provider to care for your customers in the event they have needs while you're out.  Communicate with your customers that while you're on vacation if they need anything they can reach out to your co-worker (see above) and provide them with their names and contact information. Knowing your customers are well cared for can help you unplug and enjoy your time away. 

Creating work and play balance in life is essential to a happy and healthy life. It’s important for everyone to be able to disconnect while on vacation. With a little planning, you'll have the opportunity to entirely unplug and enjoy your vacation. 

Photo: Alena Ozerova

See More:

The Perks Of Being A Mobile Beauty Professional

Owning Your Career Choice In The Beauty & Wellness Industry