Business mentor and angel investor Mark Lyttleton understands all too well the pressures involved in launching and growing a successful business. In his role, he advises clients in both a professional and personal capacity, helping them cope with the considerable stresses and challenges. This article will provide tips and pointers to help people switch off after work, helping to avoid the risk of occupational stress and burnout. The attached PDF takes a closer look at what burnout is and its impact on UK businesses.
At some time or other, most people will experience periods when they find it difficult to manage their workload. This can culminate in a blurring of the line between their working life and their free time, with work invading their homelife and leaving them feeling stressed, resentful and overburdened.
Switching off is vital for everyone, allowing workers to enjoy their social lives and their free time, as well as a much-needed rest from their work. People need to switch off to relax, rest and prepare for the next day. Since the pandemic, with more people working from home, it is more important than ever for workers to set boundaries between their personal and professional lives. The attached infographic contains some interesting statistics about remote working in the UK.
Fortunately, there are steps everyone can take to help them switch off at the end of the working day. For remote workers, it is important to separate workspaces from the rest of the home, providing some much-needed space from work after hours and somewhere to relax and unwind. Putting work laptops, phones and digital devices away at the end of the day helps to establish boundaries between work and home life and avoid the temptation to check emails after hours.
Taking up a sport or hobby provides a diversion, encouraging participants to focus on the moment and participate in activities that interest them. From golf and squash to painting and pottery, finding a fun pastime can be invigorating, providing an outlet for frustrations, encouraging social contact and coaxing the participant to forget about the office for a while. The embedded video provides an overview of some of the physical and mental health benefits of outdoor pursuits and spending time in nature.
In today’s increasingly interconnected world, it has become more difficult than ever for employees to fully disconnect from the workplace, even when on holiday. Nevertheless, learning how to switch off is crucial, helping modern workers to achieve a healthy work-life balance and avoid stress and overload.