Fast Company Daily Managers think employees should take a break from work—but they don’t promote the ones who do
Jul 16, 2025
Navigating work-life balance has become increasingly challenging, as many employees feel pressured to stay committed even while needing breaks. The detachment paradox reveals conflicting views on taking time off and its impact on career advancement. Insights from a CEO shed light on the importance of mental health and the necessity of cultural shifts in organizations. Listeners will discover why supporting employee well-being can lead to a more productive work environment.
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Detachment Paradox in Management
- Managers value employees taking breaks but often judge them as less dedicated and less promotable.
- This creates a detachment paradox where work-life balance is encouraged but penalized in career advancement.
Vacation Stress Reality
- Most workers struggle to disconnect from work during vacations, facing emails and messages constantly.
- This inability to detach causes stress, anxiety, and burnout despite being encouraged to take breaks.
Power of Psychological Detachment
- Vacation benefits on well-being are 85% greater and last much longer than previously believed.
- The key to these benefits is psychological detachment from work during time off.