Could you be taking yourself too seriously this year? Stress is a major occupational hazard whilst the oil industry is under such pressure. Summer is upon us. However temporarily, it is time to “take your life back”.
Our relationship with holidays can be an uneasy one. Former BP CEO Tony Hayward’s many distinctions will never eclipse the picture of him out sailing in the UK as attempts were being made to plug Macondo. Sunglasses and a baseball cap protected him from the Sun, but not from the tabloid of the same name. President Obama heard about it, and didn’t like it.
For many 2015 is a difficult year, but who would swap with Hayward’s 2010? The reality is that holidays are an investment in themselves. Even in a year of cost cutting, those in leadership positions should take a break, and shouldn’t feel the need to get their Facebook holiday photos taken at Ballater Caravan Park before jetting off to Dubai’s Jumeirah (seven star) hotel or elsewhere. For the record, President Obama was on the golf course whilst Hayward was sailing. Time out should be respected for everyone (and I’m not even going to mention the working time regulations).
I know a lawyer that once asked for a £500,000 premium for him and his team to work their holidays. You wouldn’t do that in 2015, but you do have to admire his guts. For those more reluctant holidaymakers there is always the opportunity to drop in at overseas outposts on the trip. I once had a Houston based CEO interrupt his Honeymoon touring continental Europe to sign a deal in Aberdeen (although having his own private jet certainly made it easier). Some less impressive holidaymakers appreciate the opportunity to show their commitment by instantly responding to even the most inane office emails whilst on vacation. See for yourself. Send a group email in July asking if the company’s Christmas menu should include turkey again this year. See how many “reply to all” answers you get from the beach. Each with an unsolicited update on their weather. Sad but true; but the (usually) unintended irony at least brings a smile to those still at their desks.
No silly season is complete without a good hamster story, so here goes. Last holiday my wife booked the family hamster into a pet hotel. A £10 a night pet hotel (this is Aberdeen, but the hamster only cost £10 to buy!) Being first back from holiday, I felt obliged to go and collect it. On arrival I was informed the hamster had died the previous day, but the consolation was I was eligible for one day’s discount off the bill. Then I was asked “Did I want the body?” My analysis ran: autopsy to establish the cause and time of death (the hamster could have been dead for a week for all I knew). What did it die of? Doesn’t £10 include resuscitation? No replacement guarantee? Where is the regulator…?
Relax. Smile. Put it in perspective. We all need our holidays! But my family is never getting a hamster again.
Peter Murray is a partner at Scottish law firm Ledingham Chalmers where he specialises in UK corporate law and international projects.
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