CEOs: Taking time off during the holidays is a good idea
This week’s question: How much time do you take off at the holidays? Will we find you working on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's and other winter holidays? Why or why not?
==========
I try to take some time off around the holidays, however the nature of my profession as a lawyer requires me to work through the holidays.
Ramon Abadin, president, The Florida Bar, and partner, Sedgwick Law Firm
I hate to say this in the newspaper, because it’s not best practice. I work everyday, 365 days a year. Maybe I’ll only work 2-3 hours on Christmas or Thanksgiving, yet I will work. The company has to grow everyday for us to reach out goals. Will Smith, once said, “When the other guys is sleeping, I’m working, when he is eating, I’m working.”
Brian Brackeen, CEO, Kairos
==========
I always try to take time off during the holidays to decompress and spend time with my family. That’s the plan for this year – barring any end-of-year client emergencies.
Carol Brooks, president and co-founder, CREC (Continental Real Estate Companies)
Taking time off for personal replenishment is very, very important. As the person who is responsible for a large organization, Itake every opportunity to spend time with my family, to enjoy friends, rest and exercise. In a healthcare system, we work 24/7, 365 days a year, so I always make myself available. However, because I work with such an unbelievably talented team, I’m able to carve out time during the holidays to spend time with family and friends.
Nabil El Sanadi, CEO/president, Broward Health
==========
I don’t usually take time off around Thanksgiving, but always make it a point to take a week off during Christmas and New Year’s. I have been doing this since my sons were very young, and I now get to spend it with them as well as my grandchildren. Whether it’s going on a ski trip or just staying home, I believe the holidays are a treasured time to spend with family. Although not possible in banking, I salute the companies that close for the holidays, in order to give employees that treasured time off.
Miriam Lopez, president/chief lending officer, Marquis Bank
==========
United Way is in the business of helping people care for one another 365 days a year. During the holidays, it’s important that we all take time to be with family, but I, along with many other members of our team, make ourselves accessible throughout that time to help volunteers and donors fulfill their year-end philanthropic wishes – whether it be volunteering or making a donation.
Harve A. Mogul, president and CEO, United Way of Miami-Dade
==========
The holiday season is by far one of our busiest times of the year, which means all hands on deck. However, despite our unusual work schedule, I find that it’s important for myself as well as my staff to take time off whenever possible and recharge. A key ingredient to a happy work life is finding the right balance between work and personal time, whether it be spent traveling or with family and friends at home.
M. John Richard, president, CEO, Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts
==========
No, you won’t find me working. Balance is so important. I believe that the holidays are about family, rest, and reflection; taking the time to recharge makes us happier, more productive people. I spend as much time as I can with my loved ones this time of year, and I try to allow my staff to do the same. We close the ginnybakes office from Christmas through the New Year (though production does have to continue), so you won’t find me (or my team) there.
Ginny Simon, founder, CEO, ginnybakes
This story was originally published December 13, 2015 at 2:00 PM with the headline "CEOs: Taking time off during the holidays is a good idea."