No matter what sort of person you are, we all need a vacation every now and then. We need to get away from the 9-5 grind…or, if you’re business owner, the 9-9 grind or whatever other hellish hours you’re working.

Sure, there’s too much work to be done and a vacation is likely the furthest thing from your mind. But did you know that there are actually some benefits to taking a vacation other than relaxing and working on your tan?

It’s true! And here are the reasons you can give to your employees as you’re headed out the door.

It allows clients to see what a smooth ship you’re sailing. Knowing that you are away on vacation and realizing how well they’re affairs are being handled clues your clients in to just how awesome your business is. It’s not just a one man show after all; the employees you have hired are fully capable of handling their needs while you are away. This helps build confidence in your brand.

It lets’ your employees flex their business muscles. Before you go on your vacation, delegate your responsibilities to your employees in a way that lets them know you trust them completely. This instills confidence in them and is a great way to find who your stronger workers are when it comes time to give promotions.

It will help you learn to prioritize better. Before you leave, you’ll certainly need to get certain affairs in order before you leave. Also, if you absolutely have to be faced with work while on vacation, only allow yourself to deal with for an hour or so a day. This is a great exercise in honing your prioritization skills.

You got back to work with fresh eyes and ideas. Stepping away from your desk for a week or so can be a great way to recharge your batteries. This allows you to come back to work to approach current jobs with a fresh perspective and a clear head. You’d be surprised how often stepping away for a while can foster creative strategies that you would not have thought of had you stayed at work.

So pack your bags and hit the beach. It’s good for business!