The Power of Disengaging and Adjusting at Halftime

Let’s be real – the world is tired. We are divided. And the past two years have caused a shift in the ways of working. With hybrid work options becoming the norm, our work life is spilling into our home life like never before. And not always for the better – it’s estimated that 78% of people say their mental health is affected by workplace stress.

Now more than ever, we need that time for rest and reflection.

At Elanco, we take the time twice a year for a collective break. Recently, our U.S. colleagues took our mid-year break. Later in the summer, our European team members will take their breaks.?We use this time to power down and recharge our bodies and minds.

What makes this time powerful is that we’re all doing this together. Companies today are tempted to replace a collective break with “unlimited vacation time” and we are seeing that this doesn’t work. Employees with unlimited PTO take at least two less vacation days on average than their peers with structured PTO. Why? Because you know the office is still there, even when you’re not. You carry that overhang with you – someone or something needs you. I believe collective breaks are more powerful.

Like many of you, I use this time to help myself grow as a leader. It’s a time for reflection - examining what worked, what didn’t work and what to focus on in the second half of the year. It’s also important to spend time doing the things that recharge you. For me - quality time with family, time on the water, exercise, reading and grilling.

The second half of 2022 could be like no six months we’ve ever seen. An ongoing pandemic, followed by a recession. Inflation. Supply chain concerns. Political divide. Adjusting to our ever-changing environment has never been more important. Given the anticipated shifting winds for this upcoming second half, here are a few takeaways from my many planned adjustments.

My three adjustments from this year’s mid-year break:

• Controllables vs Uncontrollables

I am vigilant about what I can control and what I can’t control. Every week, I make a list in my journal of uncontrollable – the visual puts it into perspective. I remove my energy from what I can’t control. It gives me freedom to focus on what I can control – my essential wins.

• ?Tomorrow Morning Starts Tonight

Speaking of what I can control – my routine. I have made an intentional shift in my nights to shutdown 30 minutes earlier. No screens – phone or TV. This intentional shift the night before brings more energy, intensity and productivity to my mornings.

• ?Feedback is a Muscle – Strengthen It

I believe in intentional and consistent feedback. It’s critical to keep your edge as a leader. I am designating a “personal board of directors” – internally across Elanco, and externally within my family – with whom I’ll seek bi-monthly feedback. It’s a two-to-one ratio. Two critiques and one thing to keep doing.

?My biggest takeaway is the impact the break has had on the Elanco team. As we’ve returned, you can feel the renewed enthusiasm in the halls. People are more engaged. They have a renewed conviction and stamina. It leads to more creativity, boldness and engagement. My meetings the past few weeks have been better, more productive, with more creative solutions. Even our newest Elanco team members pick up on it – it’s part of our growing value proposition for our teams.

When I think about the future of work, this will be a piece of the change. It’s what the next generation is demanding – work/life balance in action. We have spent the past two years blurring the lines between work and home, but it’s important to protect your peace.

How do your organizations live out their commitments to recharging? And what is recharging YOU? We are halfway through the year - what are your halftime adjustments?