Handover during absence

Predictability-Strength Tasks and daily work

Who takes over what, and what is put on hold.

When someone is away, it quickly becomes unclear who is doing what, and what is on hold. A handover that also says what is paused takes the guessing away, for the people who stay and for the person who is away.

When to use it

  • Someone is away and the work needs to carry on

Tip

Never mention the reason for the absence; it is private. What the team needs is who is taking over what, what can wait and when someone is back.

What you fill in

  • To whom
  • Who is away?
  • From when until when
  • Who is taking over what
  • What is on hold until the return
  • Availability during the absence
  • Emergency contact
  • On return
  • Your name

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Example result

Made with the example in the tool. With your own details you get your own version, ready to copy.

Hi team, I will be away: Monday 21 December to Friday 1 January inclusive. Who is taking over what: • Customer complaints: James • Approving annual leave requests: Sophie in HR • The Monday team meeting: Grace is chairing it, and the agenda is ready What is on hold until the return: • The new rota for February • Looking back on the hybrid working pilot (a conversation about how it is going, nothing is at stake) During that time I will be unavailable. That is deliberate: this way everyone can be properly away. If in doubt or in an emergency: Sophie Patel, 07700 900456. When I am back: On Monday 4 January at 9:30 we will catch up for half an hour. Until then, emails to me can wait. Best wishes, Hannah