Supporting Mental Disconnect: Five Strategies for Employers

In a fast-paced world, our level of connectivity has reached unprecedented heights. I find myself unsettled by a bizarre sense of uneasiness whenever I am without my phone, either in hand or pocket. Reflecting on a busy weekend, my intention was to advance a work project. After completing the task, I impulsively sent it out for comments late on a Saturday evening. This prompted a moment of reflection, leading me to question several things: Could the email have waited? Was it possible to schedule the email for a later time? Is this the manner in which I wish to work, and more importantly, is it healthy? How does sending such an email affect its recipients?

In Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), much of our significant work can occur outside standard working hours. Bearing this in mind, along with the post-COVID work-from-home movement, the forthcoming Right to Disconnect legislation has served as a timely reminder about the fluctuating boundaries between work and personal time. This omnipresent connectivity, while it keeps us in touch with colleagues, friends, and the broader world, also muddies the waters between our professional and personal lives. The digital leash pulls incessantly, with work emails, messages, and calls frequently intruding upon our private moments, leaving us mentally chained to our jobs well beyond the workday's end.

It's within this context that the necessity of disconnecting becomes paramount—not merely as a personal preference but as a vital component of our mental health and overall well-being. As we navigate this ever-connected existence, identifying ways to support employees in mentally disconnecting from work after hours poses a significant challenge for contemporary employers. In this article, I will delve into five straightforward yet effective strategies that can cultivate a healthier work-life balance, ensuring employees have the opportunity to recharge, refocus, and return to their roles with renewed vigor and enthusiasm.

1. Establish Clear Communication Boundaries

Make it a policy to limit work-related communications to work hours unless it's an emergency. This includes emails, phone calls, and messages. Encouraging the use of "Do Not Disturb" features on communication tools outside of work hours can also be beneficial. By setting these boundaries, employees are less likely to feel the pressure to be always on.

2. Promote a Culture of Respect for Personal Time

Leadership should lead by example, showing respect for personal time by not sending out work communications during evenings or weekends. When leaders embody the work-life balance they preach, it sets a tone for the entire organisation, making it easier for employees to feel comfortable disconnecting.

3. Provide Flexible Working Arrangements

Flexibility in work schedules can significantly help employees manage their work and personal life more effectively. Whether it's flexible start and end times, compressed workweeks, or the option to work remotely, these arrangements allow employees to work at their most productive times and balance personal commitments, leading to less stress about needing to be constantly connected.

4. Encourage Regular Breaks and Time Off

Regular breaks throughout the workday and encouraging the use of allotted vacation time can help prevent burnout. Employers should ensure that taking breaks and vacations is seen as a normal and important part of maintaining mental health and productivity, not a sign of a lack of dedication.

5. Offer Resources for Mental Health Support

Providing access to mental health resources, such as counselling services or stress management programs, can be a significant support for employees. These resources can help them manage stress better, learn how to disconnect effectively, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

The Outcome

By implementing these five strategies, employers and team leaders can create a supportive environment that fosters mental well-being and productivity. Encouraging employees to disconnect from work after hours not only benefits the individual but also contributes to a more vibrant, engaged, and resilient workforce.

Adopting these strategies can help create a more balanced work environment where employees feel valued and supported, leading to increased satisfaction and loyalty.