Summer’s Here—Can Your Business Handle You Being OOO?
Summer breaks don’t have to stall your business. Here’s how to unplug with purpose—using smart systems, intentional prep, and just the right amount of support.
We’re deep into summer, and whether you're headed on a weeklong vacation or just trying to enjoy lighter workdays, time off is good for you—and your business.
But let’s be real: it’s hard to unplug when everything feels like it depends on you. That’s where a little pre-vacation planning can make all the difference.
With the right tools, intentional systems, and a little help behind the scenes (hello, virtual assistants), your business can run smoothly—even while you’re out of office.
Use Boomerang to Keep Your Inbox Calm
Let’s start with one of our favorite inbox tools: Boomerang for Gmail.
This simple add-on helps you:
✉️ Pause new emails from hitting your inbox until you’re back
📆 Schedule emails to go out at the right time (even if you're mid-vacation)
✍️ Set up auto-responses with clarity, personality, and helpful info
Pair Boomerang with a team member or virtual assistant who can check in once a day and flag anything urgent. That way, you’re only looped in when absolutely necessary, and you’re not returning to a full-blown inbox avalanche.
Taking Time Off Is a Business Strategy—Not a Luxury
It’s easy to believe we can’t afford to take a break. But research tells us the opposite: stepping away sharpens your thinking, helps you spot what matters, and improves decision-making.
Here’s what real time off might look like in your business:
Scheduling content in advance (think social posts, newsletters, blogs)
Creating a lightweight coverage plan: who’s watching what while you’re away?
Clearly defining what counts as “urgent” (spoiler: almost nothing)
Communicating timelines and expectations with clients before you’re OOO
Taking a break doesn’t mean everything grinds to a halt—it means your systems are solid enough that they don’t need you every second.
Your Pre-Vacation Checklist
Before you throw your laptop in a drawer and grab your sandals, spend 30–60 minutes setting up a “vacation light” plan:
✅ Draft and schedule 1–2 weeks of content
✅ Write a concise out-of-office message with realistic response times
✅ Prep your virtual assistant or backup support with a quick-reference checklist
✅ Flag any upcoming deadlines and delegate early
✅ Block a buffer day when you return (avoid diving straight back into meetings!)
This simple plan helps you actually enjoy your time off—and makes re-entry a whole lot smoother.
Ready to Take a Break Without Losing Momentum?
The best ideas often strike when we’re not sitting at our desks. That means the time you spend away isn’t lost—it’s invested.
And when you’ve prepped the backend (and brought in a little help if needed), you can fully disconnect—knowing your business will keep on moving.
Want support creating a vacation-proof system?
Let’s talk. Book a free consult with The Productive Co. »