Even though we all might enjoy time off or away from work, it’s not always the easiest to switch off from it - especially with the increasing availability and reliance on technology.
If we have access to work everywhere we go due to mobile phones, tablets, and laptops, do we ever switch-off fully?
The temptation to quickly check emails on a day off, or just before bed at night, is too real and young adults are especially struggling with trying to separate their work life and home life, because it’s right at their fingertips.
A study commissioned by DUSK, showed that 30% of people aged 18-34 check their work emails in bed, and even 19% respond to them. Not only has it been found that scrolling on phones before bed can negatively impact sleep and reduce the quality of sleep, in turn impacting work - but actively checking and responding to work emails at night can increase risks of burnout, stress, and reduce overall mental wellbeing.
To make sure that we aren’t overloaded with work and stress, it’s incredibly important to step away from work when you’re out of hours. Having that time away and separation from work means that we can be well rested and have time to do the things we enjoy, like seeing loved ones, reading or watching our favourite TV series. Overall, this helps reduce risks of overworking and becoming stressed - everyone needs time off.
Switching off from work allows for a happier balance and means that productivity and focus is increased when people are at work. It enhances mental clarity, that’s why employees are encouraged to take regular breaks and to step away from desks or working areas. Utilising time away from work to focus on things that people enjoy, improves mental health and prevents mental wellbeing conditions from worsening which can result in employees being absent from work due to sickness.
UKIM Occupational Health & Wellbeing offer employee wellbeing strategies which include:
- Tailored Health Assessments
- Employee Wellbeing Strategy Assessment
- Health Improvement
- Psychological Interventions
- Onsite Health Coaches
- Fit for Role Workshops
- Healthy Living Education
- Digital Employee Benefits Programmes
