By Jeff Hodgson, General Manager, Lumley Castle Hotel
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to become consumed by work.
Deadlines, meetings and the day-to-day demands of our roles can often leave little room for what truly matters. As General Manager, one of the things I feel most strongly about is the importance of family time and ensuring our team has the opportunity to switch off, recharge and create lasting memories with the people who matter most.
I firmly believe that when we’re at work, we should give our best. Equally, when we’re away from work, we should be fully present with our families. Time is something we can never get back, and those moments spent with children, partners, parents or friends are invaluable.
That’s why we actively encourage everyone across the business to take their annual leave and enjoy a proper break. Holidays aren’t a luxury-they’re essential. Rested, refreshed colleagues return to work happier, more motivated and better equipped to face new challenges. Looking after our wellbeing isn’t just good for us as individuals; it’s good for our teams and the business too.
One of the highlights of our year is our annual Family Fun Day. It’s an opportunity for colleagues and their families to come together outside of the workplace, enjoy themselves and strengthen the relationships that make our team so special. Seeing children laughing together, partners meeting one another and colleagues relaxing away from the pressures of work reminds us that we’re more than just a workforce-we’re a community.
The Family Fun Day is always a fantastic success and receives wonderful feedback from both our team members and their families. It reinforces the importance of taking time to celebrate not only our achievements at work but also the people who support us behind the scenes every single day.
I also believe in leading by example. If I’m off work, then I’m away. I encourage my managers and colleagues to do exactly the same. Unless there’s an emergency, annual leave should mean exactly that-leave. Everyone deserves the chance to disconnect, recharge and return feeling refreshed rather than checking emails from a hotel room or answering calls from the beach.
Creating a positive workplace isn’t only about what happens between nine and five. It’s about recognising that our people have lives beyond work, and supporting them in achieving a healthy balance. When employees know they’re trusted to take time off without guilt, they feel valued, respected and more engaged when they return.
Family time looks different for everyone. Whether it’s a holiday abroad, a weekend exploring the local countryside, a family barbecue or simply sitting around the dinner table together, those moments matter.
As leaders, we have a responsibility to create a culture where people don’t feel guilty for putting family first from time to time. After all, work will always be there-but the memories we make with our loved ones are what stay with us forever.
www.lumleycastle.com
