Why Leaders Need to Take Time Off

As a society, we've come to glorify the hustle culture and celebrate those who work tirelessly around the clock. But the reality is that the constant grind can have devastating effects on personal - and organisational health. It's time for leaders to recognize the importance of self-care and prioritise time off for their own well-being and that of their organisations.

If you're a leader, your behaviour has an impact. You make big decisions, you interact with a lot of people, and you role-model company culture - so when you don't take time off, it matters. The personal impacts are more well known, from increased stress levels to decreased productivity and innovation, but the consequences on the organisation can be even more severe.

Research from around the world has shown the negative effects of overwork on leaders and their people:

A study conducted by the University of Helsinki in Finland found that leaders who don't take enough time off are more likely to experience burnout, which can lead to a decline in their mental and physical health. Burnout is characterised by emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, and a decreased sense of accomplishment, and it can have serious repercussions on a leader's ability to effectively lead their team. The study also revealed that leaders who take regular time off are better equipped to cope with stress, have higher job satisfaction, and are more resilient in the face of challenges, leading to better organisational culture and performance.

A global study published in the Harvard Business Review found that leaders who take time off are more likely to be viewed as effective leaders by their subordinates. The study surveyed over 19,000 leaders across 38 countries and found that leaders who prioritise self-care and take adequate time off are perceived as more inspiring, motivating, and competent by their teams. In contrast, leaders who neglect their own well-being and don't take time off are more likely to be seen as less effective, which can result in lower team morale and performance.

In addition to the impact on personal health, organisational health can also be significantly affected when leaders don't take enough time off. A report published by the World Health Organisation on mental health in the workplace highlighted that excessive workload and lack of work-life balance can lead to increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, and higher turnover rates. When leaders are constantly working without taking breaks, it sets a precedent for their team, creating a culture of overwork that can negatively impact the entire organisation.

A study conducted by the Centre for Creative Leadership in Europe found that leaders who take regular breaks are more likely to foster a culture of innovation within their organisations. Taking time off helps people get some fresh perspective, recharge their creative energies, and come up with new ideas. In contrast, leaders who are constantly working without taking breaks may experience mental fatigue, which can hinder their ability to think critically and come up with innovative solutions to complex problems.

So for leaders, this small sample of the research raises the question: what culture are you influencing with your behaviours? And beyond that - do your organisation's time-off policies support the culture you want to create?

If you're a leader and recognise a need to make a change, here are some practical steps to get started:

1. Measure the situation: Collect data on work hours, vacation usage, and employee well-being to understand the current state and identify areas that need improvement.

2. Review and update time off policies: Evaluate your organisation's paid time off / holiday policies and ensure that they are fair, flexible, and supportive of work-life balance. Consider offering additional paid time off benefits, such as mental health days or flexible work arrangements, to encourage employees to take time off when needed.

3. Lead by example: Set the tone as a leader by modelling a healthy work-life balance. Take time off and communicate the importance of self-care to your team. Encourage employees to use their vacation days and create a culture that values and supports time off as a critical aspect of overall well-being.

4. Foster open communication: Create an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their workload, stress levels, and need for time off. Work together to find solutions and support employees in taking time off when necessary.

Leaders need to recognise the importance of time off for the sake of their personal health, their people's health, and the health of the overall organisation. The negative impacts of overwork are well-documented: from increased stress and burnout to reduced productivity and innovation, the consequences of neglecting self-care are significant.

A healthy and well-rested leader is better equipped to lead effectively, make informed decisions, and grow a positive culture. So, let's walk the talk when it comes to self-care and create a workplace culture that really values the well-being of its people.

It's time to shift the narrative from glorifying constant work to value the importance of self-care and time off for leaders around the world - and set in motion the organisational policies to actually make that happen.