The feeling is one of anxiety. Anxiety not just because of the threat of COVID-19 and the additional stress compounding the pressure, but anxiety because we feel that to ‘switch off’ is to ‘cheat’.
Despite being isolated from one another, unlike any other time in the history of working life, we are connected. Work chats, instant messaging, emails, phone calls redirected to mobiles, Slack, Microsoft Teams, FaceTime calls and Zoom meetings.
The options for contact with our peers are almost never-ending. However, for all that these tools have done to facilitate working in times of crisis and isolation, they come with a stark caveat that every professional needs to be aware of.
This is the threat of presenteeism and that ‘always-on’ feeling. Studies have shown that more workers are burned out in the modern workplace than at any other point in modern history. Why? This is because when work chats and emails are always one click away, the temptation to endlessly scroll through, reply to messages, send emails and complete tasks outside of work hours is huge.
Some feel that, especially when companies are struggling through, the onus is on them to be ever-present night and day, and to achieve more than ever before – however, this inevitably leads to burnout and potentially even more severe health issues.
So, what can you do about it?
Ultimately, creating a strong divide between the working day and your personal life is beneficial not just for you, but also your company. A study published by the Independent found that just one in three feel like they have a grasp on their work-life balance. Researchers found that 45% of respondents to the study spent over half of their time working, despite the fact that this decreases the quality of work and overall output.
To ensure that you’re avoiding ‘always-on’ anxiety, do the following:
Build your willpower
Set yourself strict boundaries such as taking a full lunch break, starting and finishing bang on time and implementing exercise to create separation in the day. One suggestion would be to go for a walk after work to simulate your regular commute – promoting better health and structuring the day.
Let others know your plans
If you have a packed day of work, let others know what time you plan on starting and finishing the day. By vocalising this, others won’t expect you to still be available after these times. Shut down work chats and close emails as soon as your day is done.
Delete phone apps
Realistically, if you work from a computer at home, there is no reason to have work emails and chats on your phone. Likewise, any apps redirecting work calls to your mobile should be closed at the end of each day. Deleting these apps will prevent the temptation to browse work information in your own personal time.
Keep your Workspace Separate
If you can, create a separate workspace away from your daily home life. That way, when it’s the end of the day you can switch off, walk away and, ideally, close the door. If you don’t have the space to do that and have to work say from a kitchen table, make sure you clear everything away when it’s time to finish. That way, you won’t be tempted to carry on working when you don’t need to.
Make time for yourself as if you had been at work. Most of all, don’t feel guilty about switching off!
Executive Grapevine June 2020 K. Howells