You may have just got back from leave, but the line between work and home has become increasingly blurred as a result of the pandemic and many workers need to learn how to take a proper break.
“Most of us will take a few days to really relax and, ironically, this is generally the time most will go back to work,” says executive coach Anja van Beek.
“For some, it is especially difficult to switch off if your colleagues or manager, in other areas of the world, continue to work while you are on your holiday,” she says. “Working longer hours or never feeling like you’re away from work can be harmful to your mental and physical health, so the always-working, no-time-off paradigm is a problem.”
Van Beek has the following advice:
• Managers need to lead the way by making sure they take regular leave to encourage their team members to do the same;
• Take leave before you are too burnt out to enjoy it.
• Work on being present — when you are working, work, when you are taking a break or on leave, focus on that; and
• If you are part of a team, agree before you go away on what would constitute an emergency and how you should be contacted.
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