The benefits of a small law firm summer break

At the midpoint of the year, take time to slow down, reassess and refresh your business for the next six months and beyond. Your small law firm summer reset can help you save energy and build momentum for future growth.

Business owners, including independent lawyers, often have a difficult time unplugging and taking time off, but the benefits far outweigh pushing through fatigue and burnout. Here are some compelling reasons to take a vacation this summer:

How a break benefits you

Numerous studies underscore the benefits of taking time off work. Staycations count, but a change of scenery by traveling near or far can have particular impact, including:

  • True separation from work stress and routines
  • Time to reconnect with family, friends and/or your personal interests
  • An opportunity to sleep, rest, exercise and restore your well-being in various ways
  • Novelty in routines and experiences that can spark ideas
  • A change of perspective

This Forbes contributor writes:

“Vacations also force us to disconnect in an always-on world. That email can wait. The notifications won’t disappear, but your chance to live outside a screen will. Whether it’s a weekend road trip or two weeks overseas, time away reshapes your perspective.”

A perspective shift can help you return to your business with fresh eyes, new ideas and renewed vigor for tackling your next big project. Sitting on the beach and scrolling email or taking work calls doesn’t count, though. You need to truly unplug, if possible. Only check in if there’s a true client emergency.

How a break benefits your small law firm

No, your small law firm will not implode if you take a week or two away. Really. All it takes is a little planning. Here’s how your vacation will actually improve your business:

  • Improved workflow and business processes. As you prep to be gone, you will feel motivated to finally set up that CRM software, automate client communication and streamline your law firm’s processes.
  • Opportunities to collaborate or hire strategically. If you have operated independently up until now, planning time away could help you identify people who can cover business gaps. From outsourced legal services to fellow independent lawyers, you can build relationships with people who can cover your breaks and who can support your business long-term.
  • A fresh take. When you return to business after a refreshing break, you can view it with a renewed perspective and tackle your strategic plan from a place of vigor rather than exhaustion.

Ramsey Solutions offers this real-world innovation as inspiration:

“You’ll stir up new ideas, solve nagging problems, and make better decisions. Did you know the windshield wiper was invented because, during a visit to New York, Mary Anderson realized that streetcar drivers were at the mercy of their side windows when it rained or snowed?She didn’t experience that problem sitting in an office. She was taking a break. And when she returned to her Alabama home, Mary sketched a wiper blade, had a company produce a model, and the rest is windshield-wiper history. Imagine the new ideas you’ll come up with as you refresh your mind and let new creativity flow.”

Your brain on vacation can explore new ideas and tinker with concepts that won’t come as easily when you sit inside the same four walls at home.

Invest in your work-life balance

Many lawyers leave Big Law and launch independent law firms in search of better work-life balance. If that describes you, make sure you build that balance into your firm culture. Taking a break this year can set a positive precedent for doing so in future years.

When you return, take time to revisit your strategic plan and look for ways to incorporate lawyer work-life balance into your firm’s culture and processes.

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