With the boundaries between work and home become increasingly blurred for many, a recent survey by LinkedIn revealed that 52% of respondents said they switch on whilst they are on annual leave, whether it is checking their emails or answering calls. This statistic rises to 60% of women feeling they need to check in with work whilst off work. Furthermore, 41% of women stated that they feel guilty for not working on holiday compared to 28% of men.
The implications of such behaviour are apparent – the risk to employee mental health is put in jeopardy as time off from work is not being spent recharging and recuperating. Mental Health UK research has revealed that 20% of employees took time off in 2023 due to stress, and there are widespread reports of burnout being at record levels
Is it therefore time for the introduction of more formal regulations?
Some benefits of considering employee mental health in policies to Disconnect from Work
The rise in mental health-related work absences and burnout has fuelled conversations
around implementing a “right to disconnect” in the UK. This concept encourages employees to completely disconnect from work during their time off, aiming to counter the trend of overworking, especially during holidays.
Key Benefits of Prioritising Mental Health in Disconnect Policies:
- Reduced Burnout and Stress: Allowing employees to fully disconnect lowers stress levels and prevents burnout, resulting in fewer sick days and improved overall well-being.
- Increased Productivity: Countries like France, where the right to disconnect has been in place since 2017, demonstrate that productivity can remain high while promoting better work-life balance.
- Higher Job Satisfaction: Employees who can disconnect report greater job satisfaction, as they feel valued for their outcomes rather than constant availability.
- Improved Trust and Accountability: Clear boundaries and transparent communication about work expectations build trust between employers and employees, encouraging a healthier, more engaged workforce.
- Enhanced Gender Equity: Disconnect policies can alleviate the pressure on women, who often juggle both professional and domestic responsibilities, helping to close gender gaps in career progression and mental health.
Leaders play a crucial role in creating a culture that values sustainable work practices. Tools like AI can help distribute workloads and clarify responsibilities, reducing last-minute stress and promoting accountability. By celebrating employees’ ability to disconnect and recognising the importance of rest, companies invest in a more resilient and productive workforce.
For more information on how we might be able to support you build an effective workplace policies that prioritise mental health, please get in touch.
