I don’t know about you, but since the global pandemic started, my adrenal system has been working on overdrive. While chasing after work and life - and that ever elusive work-life balance - stress levels are high for our entire team.
One of The Key’s Agreements is “Take Care”. And we decided to put it into practice in a real way this summer, by giving our whole team the chance to take one week off in August, dates and destinations of their choosing. You didn’t have to go anywhere grand for the week (although some did) or do anything specific. The goal was time and space, to relax and recharge.
For PR and client service pros, you better believe a forced week off felt a bit like abject abandonment of everything we hold dear. But another of our Agreements is “Play A Team Sport” - and we leaned into it hard, allowing each one of us to let go of the reins, while a teammate picked them up. Nothing blew up, nothing broke - we all survived, thrived and emerged ready to tackle a big Q3!
So how did we spend the time? Here’s a little glimpse into our glorious August vacations!
“Being able to take an actual break and trust that my teammates had my back was a really big deal for me.”
Tisha
What did you do on your week off?
My week off was spent at a ranch in Southern California with my family. Throughout the week, we played tennis, went on walks and hikes, consumed delicious food and wine and enjoyed each other's company (without cell service!). It was a safe and socially distant break from reality, full of rest and relaxation.
How did it recharge you?
Not having cell service was the ultimate way to recharge. Not only did it prevent me from scrolling through Instagram during down time or checking my email, it allowed me to be really present with my family.
What did you appreciate about your time?
Being able to take an actual break and trust that my teammates had my back was a really big deal for me. Without them, I wouldn't have felt comfortable to take the time off and recharge.
“Stepping away from the Bay and into a much slower pace of life always recharges my batteries.”
Kat
What did you do on your week off?
I was able to spend some one-on-one time with my little man. We visited my folks up North, checking on things at the farm.
We saw the almonds being shaken, checked out the tractors as they prepared for rice harvest, rode 4-wheelers, swam all day and ate tons of ice cream!
How did it recharge you?
Stepping away from the Bay and into a much slower pace of life always recharges my batteries.
“I also can’t put into words how profound it is to be able to step away from a company I founded and have it run smoothly all on its own. Our team is the best.”
Martha
What did you do on your week off?
I stuck around home to help my kiddos (K, 1st and Senior) acclimate to their distance learning school.
How did it recharge you?
I got to do some artwork to get the 5 different work stations (three classrooms and two careers) designed, had a stress break from looking away from news, and was even able to sneak in some naps!
What did you appreciate about your time?
Not feeling hyper-reactive was essential as we navigated the first chapter of lumps around remote school, and I felt my body unwind in a way that helped me understand how much stress and fear I’ve been holding for so long. I also can’t put into words how profound it is to be able to step away from a company I founded and have it run smoothly all on its own. Our team is the best.
“Giving myself the time and space to focus on my mental health was wonderful - and gave me some much-needed energy when I returned to the “office.”
Kira
What did you do on your week off?
I spent most of my week off recharging in the beautiful outdoors -- from long walks around my neighborhood and reading books at the park, to an invigorating bike ride to and from China Beach (see photo).
How did it recharge you?
Giving myself the time and space to focus on my mental health was wonderful - and gave me some much-needed energy when I returned to the “office.” As they say, you can’t pour from an empty glass!
What did you appreciate about your time?
As a meticulous planner, having substantial time off without any real “plans” felt so good. I woke up each day with an open mind and granted myself permission to do what I wanted - not what I felt like I “needed” - to do.
“My recharge came from letting my brain check out of the online work and into the natural world.”
Jennifer
What did you do on your week off?
We packed up a rental car and drove to New Mexico for a visit with my in-laws. After spending several days on the road learning about Route 66, stopping at various Harvey Houses and eating several Carl’s Jr. Beyond burgers, we got to Albuquerque where we just chilled. It was glorious.
How did it recharge you?
My recharge came from letting my brain check out of the online work and into the natural world. Besides swimming in the pool, I took outdoor dance classes and walks in the open space. Every night, I sat outside listening to crickets and looking at stars - something I haven’t really done since I moved to the city.
What did you appreciate about your time?
It meant the world to know that the team had my back and that everything was handled. It made me appreciate what a web of smart, helpful people are at The Key. It meant I didn’t have to read the news, so I was able to dig into two good books and get my creative juices flowing again.
“For the first time in a while, I turned my notifications off on Slack and didn’t check my email. Knowing that my team was fully supporting me while I got to focus on spending a week with family was the best!”
Angie
What did you do on your week off?
I spent some much-needed time with family! A few of my cousins were in town, so we were able to enjoy each other’s company by eating my auntie’s delicious cooking, watching Netflix, taking my dog on long walks, and even took a nice day trip to Half Moon Bay.
How did it recharge you?
Any time spent with family or outdoors is my go-to way to recharge and refresh, both of which I was able to do all week. Plus, getting to sleep in after a late night watching Indian Matchmaking with cousins is always a plus!
What did you appreciate about your time?
For the first time in a while, I turned my notifications off on Slack and didn’t check my email. Knowing that my team was fully supporting me while I got to focus on spending a week with family was the best!
“It was awesome to challenge myself in a new way.”
Tess
What did you do on your week off?
I spent the week in Tahoe! Hiking. Biking. Swimming. Reading. Cuddling with dogs.
How did it recharge you?
Having grown up in Wisconsin, I’m used to spending summers outdoors and on a lake. Being in Tahoe/on water helped me recharge and reconnect with myself.
What did you appreciate about your time?
I got to spend quality time with a great friend of mine who recently moved there, which meant a lot to me (especially right now). I also did a serious mountain bike ride. It was awesome to challenge myself in a new way.
“I felt lucky to have a moment to slow down. This was a perfect way to stay “in the moment” with my family.”
Dedee
What did you do on your week off?
After soaking up the SoCal sun for four whole years in college, I used my week off to travel back to Denver to spend time with my family. My parents are teachers and my sis is still in school, so it was a perfect opportunity to spend the last of their summer vacations with them. It’s hard to catch my entire family in the same place for more than a couple days, and with all of the chaos of 2020, I know we all appreciated the quality time together!
How did it recharge you?
After finishing school and graduating remotely, moving out of my college home and starting a new position with The Key, I felt lucky to have a moment to slow down. This was a perfect way to stay “in the moment” with my family.
What did you appreciate about your time?
Pretty much everyone at The Key knows how much I love my animals, so I’m going to be predictable here: I appreciated time with my pets.
“It was so nice to really disconnect for a week and focus on myself and spending time with friends and family.”
Brooke
What did you do on your week off?
I spent my week off in Santa Barbara with my family, and used the time to hunt for a new apartment. My boyfriend also took the week off, and it was nice for us to spend some quality time together.
How did it recharge you?
It was great to get out of The Bay for a change of scenery! I also was able to find the perfect new apartment, which was something that I was so thankful to have off my plate.
What did you appreciate about your time?
It was so nice to really disconnect for a week and focus on myself and spending time with friends and family.
“The change of scenery and together time was so, so good for our family!”
Julia
What did you do on your week off?
We travelled to Los Angeles to visit family and enjoy some sunshine!
How did it recharge you?
Since San Francisco summers are famous for fog (especially where I live, in the Outer Avenues), it was a great way to experience a "real" summer. It was especially fun to hang out at the beach in Santa Monica and watch my kids learn to boogie board, like real LA surfer kids :)
What did you appreciate about your time?
The change of scenery and together time was so, so good for our family! Due to Covid, of course we have all been home working and going to school for a few months already, so it was great to have the opportunity to get away together and spend time in a new way, in a new place. I also appreciated the time we got to spend with relatives, even if from a distance. We travel to LA often, but there was definitely a new appreciation for the city during this time- I'm so happy I got the chance to experience it.
“It was so lovely to take a break and give my eyes a rest from Zoom and screen time. Coming back to work, I would feel more zen, less stressed, and good vibes all around.”
Waresa
What did you do on your week off?
I had a slightly different schedule that allowed me to log off early on Fridays. I spent all of my time outdoors--beach walks, hula hooping, biking, roller-skating, and dancing.
How did it recharge you?
It was so lovely to take a break and give my eyes a rest from Zoom and screen time. Coming back to work, I would feel more zen, less stressed, and good vibes all around. I was reminded of the things that I love and want to prioritize more.
What did you appreciate about your time?
I appreciated the time to spend with family and cultivate relationships that haven’t gotten enough love due to quarantine. I also appreciated how much I could rely on my teammates, knowing that I could go offline unworried and with ease.
“I appreciated being able to really disconnect for a week and focus on spending time with my loved ones.”
Isabel
What did you do on your week off?
I spent time with my family and close friends (safely) and got outdoors.
How did it recharge you?
Having a week off made me realize how much time I’ve been spending indoors and how necessary it is to get outdoors, which ultimately brought me to a better headspace.
What did you appreciate about your time?
I appreciated being able to really disconnect for a week and focus on spending time with my loved ones. I also put more time into self-care during my time off, which felt especially revitalizing given the state of the world.
“I appreciated and am so thankful to my teammates who let me have that week to myself.”
Cindy
What did you do on your week off? Feel free to elaborate :)
I took time to myself and watched TV, embroidered, and cooked.
How did it recharge you?
It was mindless entertainment that helped me relax and not think about the world being on fire (both mentally and literally).
What did you appreciate about your time?
I appreciated and am so thankful to my teammates who let me have that week to myself.
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