Beyond Burnout: The Strategic Case for Taking Time Off

Updated: Jun 29

Many people in leadership roles feel they simply can't take time off. Research shows that 82% of leaders feel they are constantly under pressure to demonstrate their value, so they cannot step away from work to get some respite and recharge. But this idea isn’t just wrong — it can also be expensive.

Reports from 2024 found that managers are 36% more likely than other employees to experience burnout and 24% more likely to consider quitting their jobs. It is estimated that burnout costs organizations $10,000 per manager and $20,000 per executive, compared to $4,000 per employee. Lost productivity, employee turnover, and poor decision-making all contribute to these costs — and all of these issues may have been solved with a strategic rest and reflection.

Well-rested leaders can think with better clarity, gaining real perspective on their business and on their own role within the organization. In turn, this helps them to make better decisions , handle difficulties more easily, and work strategically through stresses. When a leader can take time off, they can return with valuable insights.

It’s important to pull back and recharge at the right time. Being a good leader isn't necessarily about always being there. It's about doing great things when you are there. As Tim Ferriss says, "Focus on being productive instead of being busy." The right approach to rest and recuperation is a big part of this. Table of Contents:

Leading with Intention Means Pausing with Intention
What a Strategic Recharge Looks Like
Making the Break Work: Practical Strategies

Leading with Intention Means Pausing with Intention

It's no surprise that taking time away from work increases happiness and relaxation while reducing burnout. Denmark and the Netherlands are the second and fifth happiest countries in the world, and they also have the second and third shortest working weeks in Europe, averaging 39.1 hours and 39.5 hours, respectively. And yet both appear in the top 10 most productive nations in Europe.

This is backed up by a study of four-day working weeks in Spain. The study found that mental and physical health, and overall productivity, increased.

But of course, this doesn't mean leaders and managers should simply run off and leave everyone else to handle operations themselves.

It’s vital for leaders to clearly delegate tasks to others before taking time off for a leadership retreat or a well-deserved break. Before they leave, it's essential to conduct strategic planning so that everyone is aware of their responsibilities. Establishing communication protocols will also help, just in case any critical matters arise. Most of all, it’s important to set reasonable expectations and know what needs attention and what can wait.

Setting up document processes, cross-training employees, and utilizing those who wish to take leadership roles in the future can make for a much smoother break. With these in place, you can take time off and recharge while the business continues to function.

What a Strategic Recharge Looks Like

There's no one-size-fits-all approach to strategic recharge. A break can come in several forms:

A typical vacation – Spend a week or two away from it all, taking time to connect with family and enjoy the company of loved ones. Remember to turn off the phone, put the laptop aside, and enjoy having no work tasks.
Work or sabbatical – This can be as long as 6 months and focuses on professional development. Some companies may send a leader to work with another organization or partner company to learn how they handle their work. Some leaders may opt to enroll in a class and learn a more in-depth aspect of their business.
Strategic retreats – These purpose-driven experiences can last a few days or weeks. Great care needs to be taken here, as strategic retreats have a tendency to turn into work. Taking time away from core roles and focusing on improving things like cultural awareness can reduce burnout while also feeling like a meaningful process of development.

There’s no right or wrong way to take time off as a leader at your workplace, but the goals are always similar. Be sure to define your objective, choose your environment, set your boundaries, and plan for your re-entry.

Making the Break Work: Practical Strategies

To make the leadership break work, it's helpful to follow a few practical steps that can optimize the time off. In this sense, the respite becomes a form of strategic leadership development rather than just a chance to catch your breath.

First, delegate any tasks and make sure everything is in place so that team performance does not suffer when you are gone.
Then, make sure the break is clean. Don't check your work emails or put yourself on call during the break. There needs to be a clear divide between you and your work. Otherwise, you're not really having a break at all.
Next, spend time with the people who are really important in your life. This may be family members or friends away from work.
Indulging in hobbies and things you enjoy also gives you the opportunity to recharge and de-stress.
On your return, consider the things that were contributing to stress and burnout before, and take steps to reduce their impact. Sometimes, these stressors may have been embedded into our personality, such as the negative thoughts that Trevor Moawad believes do us so much harm. Take time to identify those stressors, and work to overcome them.
Approach any problems or issues you'd previously encountered anew, and apply fresh eyes and insight to them.

Remember, a strategic recharge is about more than just a bit of time off. It’s a chance to take care of yourself as a person, and then return with renewed value to your business.

If you're struggling to navigate the difficulties of leadership in 2025, we're here to help. Take a look at our leadership development programs and coaching services, focused on executive burnout prevention, cultural awareness, and more. We're in your corner, so let's take those all-important steps forward together.