The benefits of paid leave are well-documented, but many employees still struggle to take advantage of it due to feelings of guilt and anxiety about leaving their coworkers to pick up the slack. To overcome this, preparation is key. This involves reviewing company policies, documenting processes, transitioning clients and contacts, sharing account credentials and passwords, distributing workload and ownership, managing inbox, creating a communication plan, and preparing for re-entry. By taking these steps, employees can ensure a smooth transition while they're away and minimize the impact on their work.