Disconnecting from work
It’s hard to resist the temptation to check on your emails, and social media but the benefits of disconnecting from work are significant.
When was the last time you made a commitment to disconnect from work and stuck to it? Tech and smartphones have increased the ease we can stay connected. But …it’s hard to resist the temptation to check on your emails, social media, and Slack chats. But the benefits of disconnecting from work are significant.
Nicky Jesse and I have mutual friends and by coincidence, we were on vacation in the same place. We made a pact not to discuss work at all which we actually achieved.
The benefits of disconnecting from work
Research suggests that disconnecting from work has a positive impact on your mental and physical well-being. These effects influence your performance at work and your productivity. Studies suggest that in the period following your break your efficiency and effectiveness will increase.
Other benefits of disconnecting regularly from work include
- Increased productivity
- Increased focus and better concentration
- Lower stress
- Increased creativity
- Higher energy levels
- Better sleep
- Improved relationships
- Better work-life balance
- Improves memory capacity
The U.S. is the “no vacation nation“, which surprises us in Europe, where many countries slow down significantly in August in particular.
workers in europe: i will be taking the summer off because i need a little suntan
workers in america: i will be using one of my 3 paid vacation days to undergo open heart surgery
— trash jones (@jzux) June 1, 2022
The struggle to disconnect
In the US the average paid vacation time is between 5-15 days compared to Europe, where it is 25 days. When we do take time off we tend to stay in touch because:
- 37% work on vacation because they “just like to be on top of things”
- 87% answered questions from coworkers while on vacation.
- 87% checked work emails and messages while on vacation.
- 78% have answered a phone call from their boss during vacation.
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European situaton
But even in Europe, many do not take their full allowance, despite the noted benefits.
Poor leadership habit
When your company has an availability culture and taking time off is discouraged, and if you do take vacation, you are made to feel insecure in your role, it will be hard to disconnect from work. You feel that you have to do that little bit extra to avoid being fired.
It is a poor leadership habit to think like this and it fuels a culture of overwork, the very environment Gen Z is rebelling against. Even taking time for a lunch break means that you will be more efficient afterwards.
Ffar from being counter-productive workplace performance increases when employees regularly disconnect from work
Regardless of the level of your job you should always make a point of disconnecting from work. It is essential on so many levels, not just for you but those around you. When you return, you’ll feel be recharged, relaxed, and ready to get going.
Nicky’s parting word to mes were – “don’t forget to send me the newsletter!”
So we ever really switch off?
Need help balancing your work/life and disconnecting? Get in touch..