New research conducted by Protime, in which 2000 respondents were questioned, has found that 67% of employees struggle to disconnect from work.
Struggle To Disconnect From Work
As well as the finding that most workers struggle to disconnect from work, the Protime research also found the following:-
- 93% of workers believe that having a good work-life balance is an essential prerequisite for good health
- Poor work-life balance has a detrimental impact upon 41% of workers on either a daily or weekly basis, and upon 65% of employees on at least a monthly basis
- Workers take an average of 5.4 days sick leave per annum due to stress
- Just 26% of workers have never had to take time off sick due to stress
- Workers believe the most effective ways to disconnect from work include avoiding the temptation to check their work related emails (58%) and deactivating / not having push notifications
- In terms of what employers can do to help employees disconnect from work, workers cited the following: (i) managers should take responsibility for ensuring as far as possible that employees can disconnect from work (62%), (ii) employers should enforce the boundaries between work and home life (59%), and respect those boundaries (54%), (iii) ensure that workloads are reasonable, and (iv) cultivate a workplace culture that promotes, encouragaes, and facilitates the ability of workers to disconnect from work
As we highlighted in a recent article, the new Labour Government plan to introduce a new legal right to disconnect, which they call a right to switch off, following the lead of other countries which have already introduced such a right, including Ireland and Belgium.
The Reasons Why Workers Struggle To Disconnect
The main reasons why employees struggle to disconnect from work include the following:-
- Constant Connectivity: The proliferation of smartphones and other mobile devices means employees are always connected, making it difficult to separate work from personal life. Workers should establish clear boundaries by setting specific times to check emails and notifications, and use features like "Do Not Disturb" outside working hours. Employers can support this by implementing policies that discourage after-hours communication and by ensuring that managers respect these boundaries.
- High Workloads: Many employees feel overwhelmed by their workload, leading them to work beyond regular hours to meet deadlines and manage tasks. To address this, workers can prioritise tasks, delegate when possible, and communicate with their supervisors about more realistic deadlines. Moreover, employers should regularly assess workloads, redistribute tasks as necessary, and hire additional staff if needed to avoid overload and prevent burnout.
- Workplace Culture: In some organisations, there is an unspoken expectation that workers should be available at all times, making it very difficult therefore for employees to disconnect from work. In these circumstances, it’s important that workers advocate for themselves by expressing their need for a better work-life balance. In terms of employers, they need to promote and develop a workplace culture that values employee well-being by providing regular breaks, flexible working hours, and recognizing the importance of time off.
- Lack of Boundaries: The line between work and home life has blurred, especially with the rise of remote working. To address this, workers need to establish a dedicated workspace at home and set clear start and end times. This can help create a physical and mental separation from work. Employers should also encourage their employees to take regular breaks and vacations without the expectation of being available
- Managerial Expectations: Some managers may unintentionally set expectations that employees should be responsive outside of office hours, which can make it more difficult for workers to disconnect from work. Hence, workers need to ensure that there is open communication with managers about availability and workload. This will assist in ensuring that there are mutual expectations. Employers should also train managers to understand the importance of respecting employees' personal time and setting realistic expectations about availability
- Job Insecurity: Employees may feel pressured to stay connected out of fear that disconnecting could negatively impact their job security or career advancement. Building confidence in performance during working hours can help workers alleviate this fear. Also, seeking feedback regularly can also provide reassurance. Employers can also create a transparent environment where performance is measured based on results rather than constant availability.
- Ambition: Some workers are very ambitious and find it difficult to disconnect from work. Finding hobbies or activities outside of work that they are equally passionate about can help in this regard, as can practicing mindfulness or relaxation techniques. Employers can also encourage participation in non-work-related activities or provide resources such as wellness programs that can support employees in finding balance.
Finding the Right Work-Life Balance Essential
The findings from Protime’s research underscores a critical issue in today's workforce: the struggle to disconnect from work. With 67% of employees facing challenges in separating their professional and personal lives, it's clear that achieving a healthy work-life balance is more important than ever.
Achieving this balance is not just beneficial but essential for overall well-being. The study reveals that a staggering 93% of workers believe a good work-life balance is crucial for maintaining good health. When boundaries between work and personal life blur, the repercussions are significant, with 41% experiencing negative impacts either daily or weekly and 65% at least monthly. This imbalance is also contributing to stress-related sick leave, averaging 5.4 days per year per employee.
To combat these issues, both employees and employers must take proactive steps. Workers can start by avoiding the temptation to check work emails outside of office hours and turning off push notifications, which are effective strategies according to 58% of respondents. Employers play a pivotal role as well; they need to enforce boundaries between work and home life, ensure workloads are manageable, and foster a culture that respects employees' time off.
Furthermore, legislative measures like the proposed "right to switch off" could provide much-needed support. By following the example set by countries like Ireland and Belgium, such policies can help protect employees from the expectation of constant availability.
Ultimately, finding the right work-life balance isn’t just about improving productivity; it’s about enhancing quality of life. Both individual actions and organisational policies are necessary to create an environment where employees can truly disconnect from work and recharge.
