What’s the biggest mistake you made during your last vacation?

Didn’t take enough time off? Couldn’t relax because your mind was still at work? Checked in with the office too many times?

If you said yes to any of the above, you’re in sync with a recent survey of U.S. workers – 43 per cent of whom said their biggest mistake was not taking enough time off work.

The idea that our holidays are never long enough is a bit of a standing joke, says Danielle Bragge, Vancouver-based branch manager with OfficeTeam, an international staffing firm that developed the survey.

But the survey makes a good point, she says.

“People do take vacations, but they worry when they are on vacation. They worry about the workload and that it will be too large when they get back.

“If people aren’t taking more time off (than they should), it’s because they worry about things when they get back from vacation.”

In the past five years Bragge has worked in Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver.

She says the trend these days for most people is to take two-week holidays.

In general, most Canadians are good about taking their holiday time, she adds.

Diane Domeyer, executive director of OfficeTeam, says those employees who don’t use their time fear they will fall behind on projects.

Or, they worry they won’t be perceived as team players, so they put off vacations or limit breaks to long weekends.

“Lean staffing levels in recent years have left many professionals with increased pressure at work, but this makes the need to recharge more vital than ever.”

Domeyer offers a number of tips to derive the most benefit from a vacation:

* Use history as your guide: Consider your last vacation, including what you did, how much time you took and whether or not you felt reinvigorated on your return, she says. This experience should serve as a basis for planning your next break.

* Prior to leaving: It’s imperative that colleagues are informed about the status of key projects and a point person is designated. “Also, consider which tasks a temporary or project professional could assume,” she says.

* Resist the urge to check voicemail and e-mail: Don’t contact the office unless it is necessary, she says, because the more connected to work you are, the less time you have to unwind.

* Seize the day: Don’t wait until you’re in dire need of a vacation to take one. Regular breaks can keep you motivated all year long.

OfficeTeam provides temporary administrative staffing for employers.

Bragge adds that in her experience, most companies ensure that while staff are on holiday, their work is covered off.

Bragge says she hasn’t dealt with many individuals who have been left in a crisis situation when they get back from vacation.

Nevertheless, some employees do worry.

According to the survey of 571 men and women, 17 per cent said they couldn’t relax while on vacation because their mind was still on the job.

In order to preserve a person’s sanity – while they are away and on that first day back – it’s critical to have some procedures in place. As a matter of practice, when Bragge returns to work the first day back from vacation, she has a checklist of do’s and don’ts. They include:

* Getting an early start. Try to arrive at the office a half hour early on your first day back. Have some quiet time to get organized.

* If possible, check your voicemail the night before.

* Divide your time that first day back. Set limits. Don’t expect to respond to all 500 e-mails. Spend half an hour deciding which messages are critical and which aren’t.

* Keep your phone on forward the first day. Check messages periodically to eliminate distractions.

* Pay attention to most recent e-mails. Respond to bosses, key clients or top priorities first.

Bragge adds that it’s important to tap into the people who have not been away on vacation. They can apprise you of any details or key issues that haven’t been raised in voicemail or e-mail.

And be realistic.

“I think the most important thing is being easy on yourself,” she says. “You’ve been out of the office several weeks or several days and you aren’t going to get caught up in a day. So don’t expect to.

“Don’t burn the midnight oil that first day back trying to get caught up on everything.”

Otherwise, you may just end up feeling like you need another vacation.

(Mike Dempster can be reached at miked@businessedge.ca)