Starting a new job is exciting. As I learned when I joined First Business Bank in March 2017, it can also be all-consuming. New duties, procedures, and routines. Meeting new people and developing relationships. A roller coaster of a learning curve. I quickly embraced this fast-paced environment, but when vacation time rolled around after my first five months, I was ready for a break.
Happily, I found that First Business Bank not only talks about work-life balance as part of its culture, we put it into practice. Promoting work-life balance is just one way First Business demonstrates a strong commitment to being an employer of choice. Employees are required to spend five consecutive days per year unplugged from the office. The IT department makes this happen by implementing an “IT lockout,” disabling email and blocking us from the network.
I am not exaggerating when I say it was the first time in 10 years I have gone on vacation and completely separated from work. In the past, I wrestled with the challenge (as many of us do) of escaping technology. When an employer furnishes your devices, it creates a mindset that you should be reachable at all times. At a minimum, you feel obligated to regularly check email and track urgent items, even when on vacation. How refreshing to work for an employer who enforces the importance of disconnecting!
My enforced IT lockout had a pleasant ripple effect. Feeling less tethered to my phone resulted in less time checking personal social media accounts and electronically connecting to anything. Which, in turn, freed up my time to truly explore and enjoy the majesty of St. Maarten. Turquoise waters and white sand beaches. Fresh-picked fruit and seafood straight from the ocean. Sunsets so gorgeous they defy description.
My colleagues at First Business Bank stepped up to cover many of my duties while I was on vacation, and I will be happy to reciprocate when it’s their turn. We all benefit when someone returns to work rejuvenated, recharged, and with a renewed commitment. I’m already looking forward to my IT lockout next year, confident that First Business and my colleagues are supportive of my time away. This is just one of many reasons why this career change has been so rewarding. If you’re looking for a new career opportunity at a fast-paced, engaging workplace that prioritizes people, visit the First Business Bank Careers page today.
