Work is stressful, no matter the position or industry one serves. In the past few decades, work-related stress has become so prevalent and intense that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has officially acknowledged it and built guidelines for companies to prevent it. But while many organizations try to make workplaces more comfortable for their employees, they forget to implement a key practice to lower work-related stress, i.e., allowing employees to disconnect from work after their shifts.
Letting employees disconnect from work significantly helps reduce and manage their stress levels. Contrary to popular but mistaken opinion, it also benefits the companies in several ways, such as:
1. Reduced Employee Burnout
Disconnecting from work once a day’s shift is complete means a healthy work-life balance. A healthy work-life balance is essential to prevent burnout for employees. When employees have to work when they are home relaxing or out and about enjoying their lives, they cannot enjoy their time. This leads them to feel that they are always working, even when they are contacted after work hours for a small task or follow-up, resulting in them feeling burnout much quicker.
2. Improved Employee Productivity
When employees are allowed to disconnect from work and truly relax during their time, their productivity improves. On the other hand, employees who know they will not get a break even when they complete their work lose their motivation to be productive. Being productive is simply pointless to these employees since they will have to work post-shift anyway. Thus, they work deliberately slower and waste time during work hours.
3. Enhanced Employee Efficiency
Employees who feel productive at work are more efficient than those who are not. Most employees work with a passion for becoming professionally successful so they can enjoy their personal lives more. However, their efficiency decreases when employees’ personal lives become non-existent due to never-ending work. Hence, allowing employees to disconnect from work helps them complete their work as best as possible so they can enjoy their after-work hours peacefully.
4. Easier Employee Retention
Employees value their time. As the ability to disconnect after work helps employees enjoy a healthy work-life balance, they become less likely to want to switch jobs. Employees’ job satisfaction increases, and they feel content with their job even if workplace issues arise, allowing the company to retain them as long as it wishes.
5. Increased Employee Creativity
Every brain and body needs rest. Overworked employees lose their creative spark until they reach burnout and creative block. On the contrary, allowing employees to disconnect after work helps them pursue other interests and drive inspiration. Getting restful sleep and spending time on other hobbies also help employees feel refreshed to approach work innovatively.
Lastly, letting employees disconnect from work also builds and maintains a positive company image among employees. They don’t feel exploited and underpaid by the company; instead, they feel respected as humans and individuals, allowing them to trust the company and become more involved in its growth.
