Why working on holiday could make you worse at your job
Aug 20, 2024
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Brigid Schulte, an author and journalist, teams up with freelance journalist Oliver Balch to unpack the pitfalls of working on vacation. They discuss how holiday work is not just a personal choice but a symptom of poor management practices. The conversation highlights the irony of overwork in cultures that glorify constant availability, and how some executives struggle to truly disconnect. They also reflect on global vacation policies, contrasting countries with robust time-off systems against those like the U.S., emphasizing the need for systemic change to promote better work-life balance.
Maintaining constant connectivity during holidays fosters a toxic work culture, leading to employee burnout and negatively impacting overall productivity.
The pressure to remain available while on vacation undermines work-life balance, increasing health risks and perpetuating a detrimental cycle of overwork.
Deep dives
The Impact of Constant Connectivity on Executives
Executives today face immense pressure due to constant connectivity brought about by mobile devices and digital communication. This phenomenon has blurred the lines between work and personal time, making it difficult for leaders to fully disconnect while on holiday. Many executives reported a range of coping mechanisms, from extreme digital detox strategies to those who check work emails multiple times a day, revealing a spectrum of attitudes towards work-life balance. This constant connection often leads to burnout, undermining the productivity executives strive for, despite their awareness that taking time off could enhance their overall efficiency.
Cultural Norms and the Expectation to Overwork
A prevailing culture within organizations glorifies constant availability and equates long hours with dedication and effectiveness, which often pressures individuals to remain connected even during time off. Many leaders feel obligated to be accessible to their teams and clients, fearing that their absence might lead to negative repercussions for the company. This mentality perpetuates a cycle of overwork, as employees are led to believe that their value is determined by their availability rather than their actual contributions. Addressing this issue requires a systemic change within organizations that fosters a healthier perception of work and vacations, allowing leaders and employees to step away without guilt.
Health Consequences of an Overworked Culture
The episode highlights significant health implications associated with a relentless work culture, including increased risks of cardiovascular diseases and mental health disorders. The stress resulting from overwork can lead to unhealthy lifestyle choices, creating a vicious cycle that ultimately affects long-term health outcomes. Data from various studies indicate that the traditional US work environment, characterized by excessive demands and inadequate time off, contributes to elevated mortality rates. Thus, recognizing the need for regular breaks and a better work-life balance is essential not only for individual wellness but for fostering a sustainable workplace culture.
You’ve worked hard all year, and the summer holidays have finally arrived. But it’s not like all your colleagues have downed tools. Would it be so bad if you checked your emails – just quickly – to make sure your team don’t need you? Well, yes it would, actually. In this episode, author and journalist Brigid Schulte tells Isabel Berwick why holiday work is a failure of management – and can cost employees their good health. Isabel also speaks to freelance journalist Oliver Balch, who recently asked senior executives about whether they really disconnect on their holidays.
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Credits:
Presented by Isabel Berwick, produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval, mixed by Simon Panayi. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Cheryl Brumley is the FT’s head of audio.