5 things to do before leaving office for vacation

Before you're due to leave, there are a few things you should take care of at work

Just a few weeks to go till you're off on vacation; you may be jet-setting off to some tropical island or taking some time off to unwind. But before you're due to leave, there are a few things you must take care of at work.

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HuffPo shares five business etiquette tips that you need to follow to assist your colleagues and clients in your absence.

Etiquette tips for the office

1. Let your clients and colleagues know your travel dates:

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Never leave this for the last minute. Always tell your clients weeks in advance about your dates so that you can easily wrap up all your projects before work, or schedule them for a later date under the knowledge of your client(s).

Another important factor to note: create an auto-reply for your email so that if someone contacts you in your absence they will receive an automated reply informing them when you'll be back at work. In case of emergencies, include names and phone numbers of people to contact for immediate assistant.

2. Find a substitute:

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There needs to be someone who can cover for you while you're away, be sure to point out which colleague will be in charge. Equip them with everything they need to know and hold a meeting a few weeks prior to your leave to prep them thoroughly.

Inform concerned individuals at work about who will be taking charge behind you. And make sure you thank the colleague in advance for stepping in and putting in the effort.

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3. Update your work manual:

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Leave a step-by-step manual to help your substitute with the work, since they may not be well-versed with the tasks at hand. A manual will serve to help them better understand the job. In order to curb all misunderstandings and problems, it will be best to have the sub follow the manual before you leave.

4. List all the important passwords:

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Your computer log in, passwords to work related emails which your colleague will need to access -- all should be listed down for the substitute. Otherwise, it'll leave your colleague and clients in a muddle and will serve as a potential vacation disruption.

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5. Clean your office space:

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Nobody likes working at an unkempt and untidy work station, especially when it's someone else's. Empty out drawers if you have irrelevant papers, food wrappers or perishable foods. Clean the desk, declutter all cabinets and throw away anything that you won't need.