The "Sunday Fear": A Culture Problem Employers Can Fix
Ross Jolly
Master Blender Of Energy Recruitment | "Crafting Careers and Blending Talent" | 20+ years Resourcing Expertise | Founder of Aberdeen Young Professionals
Have you ever felt that sinking feeling on Sunday evening? That looming anxiety about returning to work on Monday? You are enjoying that beer on Friday night, enjoying your Saturday then the dread sets in come Sunday morning..... Work on Monday!
When interviewing candidates, a common phenomenon called the "Sunday Fear" is often a topic discussed when looking at candidates reasons to leave an employer.
It’s more common than you think, and it’s often a symptom of deeper issues within a company’s culture. "Sunday Fear" isn't just about the tasks ahead, it’s about how people feel in the environment they’re stepping back into. Its also a very common reason for candidates looking for alternative employment.
For many employees, this dread is tied directly to their workplace culture. If the thought of Monday brings stress and anxiety rather than a sense of purpose and engagement, it's a sign that the company culture might need an overhaul. As an employer, you have the power to turn this around.
Here are 5 actionable ways to nail your company culture and eliminate the Sunday Fear:
1. Foster Psychological Safety
Culture starts with trust.
Employees need to feel safe speaking up, sharing ideas, and giving honest feedback without fear of retaliation. When team members know they’re respected and their voices are valued, it builds a foundation where everyone feels secure, which reduces anxiety.
2. Promote Work-Life Balance
All work and no play lead to burnout. Respect your team’s personal time and limit any after-hours communication and avoid setting expectations for late night responses and that Friday meeting at 4pm. Employees need time to recharge over the weekend, and if they know their boundaries will be respected, that Sunday anxiety can fade into peace of mind.
3. Recognise & Reward
Consistent recognition can transform a culture. People crave appreciation, and it’s motivating to know your hard work won’t go unnoticed. Regularly celebrate wins, big or small, and make recognition part of your culture. When employees feel valued, they look forward to contributing.
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4. Cultivate a Purpose-Driven Environment
Work is more fulfilling when there’s meaning behind it. Employees who understand how their work contributes to larger goals are more engaged and motivated. Make sure your team knows the why behind what they do, connecting their daily tasks to a bigger vision that excites them.
5. Invest in Growth and Development
Stagnation fuels discontent. Employees need opportunities to grow, learn, and advance. Offering continuous learning, mentorship, and clear career pathways can reignite passion and eliminate the dread that comes with feeling stuck in a job that offers no future.
One of the most toxic contributors to the "Sunday Fear" is working under a micromanaging boss. The worst thing you can do as a leader is create an environment where control and ego come before trust and collaboration.
Employees under such management often feel their every move is scrutinised, leaving no room for creativity or autonomy which is essential for growth. The constant need for approval, combined with a lack of appreciation, leads to burnout and, ultimately, dread and then resignation....
When employees are micromanaged by someone more focused on their own power and image than on team success, it erodes morale. Narcissistic leaders are often resistant to feedback, dismissive of others’ ideas, and quick to blame, fostering a culture of fear instead of growth. If your workplace tolerates or even enables this type of behaviour, it’s no surprise the Sunday Fear is a regular guest in your employees’ lives.
As leaders, it’s crucial to assess not just how you manage but why you manage. Building a culture where trust, respect, and shared goals are the priority will push out toxic behaviors that fuel anxiety and disengagement.
Conclusion: Transforming the Sunday Fear
When company culture is strong, Monday doesn’t seem like a burden, it’s an opportunity.
By focusing on trust, work-life balance, recognition, purpose, and growth, you can turn the "Sunday Fear" into Sunday excitement. Remember, it’s not just about eliminating dread; it’s about creating a culture where employees thrive and look forward to what lies ahead.
So have a think - What’s your company doing to eliminate the Sunday Fear?
One of the main reasons I now work for myself. However, I'd call it the "They never listened to me fear" and it was daily. I accepted my last employment based on what was agreed at the interview. I told them, I'm willing to help in any way I can but due the demands of the position I wanted to be allowed to focus on fixing the mess they had and under no circumstances did I ever want to go offshore. They agreed! First few weeks went well, I was loving the job and my plans to deliver what was needed was going well. Unfortunately they didn't stick to their word. I found myself being pushed and pulled in several different directions and before I knew it I was covering other people's roles more often than not (ontop of my own role) to the point that I was massively falling behind on my own projects. Then BOOM, a check in to go offshore to cover someones holidays arrived in my emails! First trip put my mental health in the gutter and all they has to say was "Well I'm not doing it and nobody else has the tickets or experience so you best just accept it". Gutting, but for the first time in my life I decided to put myself first. I quit the job and started my own business. Poor man management killed my career in Oil and Gas.
Business Developer | former Chair SPE Aberdeen | Networker | STEM Ambassador | Director at LOGIC | CRM Enthusiast | Fascinated about all things Energy and Engineering | Partial to a Thursday morning Burrito
2 个月Interesting read Ross. I used to hate Sunday evenings for this very reason. Thankfully it's all in the past.