In many workplaces, the line between work hours and personal time is becoming increasingly blurred; in some, it has almost disappeared entirely.

A recent incident at my workplace highlights this issue. A colleague went on annual leave, yet our head of department directed us to call or message her whenever we needed information related to her role. Despite being on leave, she returned to work two days early, frustrated and exhausted. Unfortunately, this scenario isn’t unique; many workplaces pressure employees to remain connected, even during their time off.

Annual leave is essential for mental and physical recovery. However, in today’s work culture, managers sometimes view leave as flexible rather than a true break, resulting in employees who don’t get the rest they need. Instead of recharging, they end up responding to emails, handling urgent requests, and even joining meetings. This constant connection erodes morale and mental clarity, defeating the purpose of annual leave.

The consequences are significant. Without adequate rest, employees become prone to stress, fatigue, and health issues, which can reduce the quality of their work. Companies may expect more productivity with an “always-on” mentality, but overworked employees are often less productive and more likely to leave, costing companies financially and disrupting team stability.

How to Set Clear Boundaries for Better Work-Life Balance

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance requires clear boundaries. Here are some practical ways to support this goal:

1. Set Clear Boundaries and Communicate the Importance of Time Off

Have an open, respectful conversation with your manager about the importance of a true break. This proactive communication helps managers understand why time off is critical. When requesting leave, specify that you won’t be available for work-related communication, and ensure you provide a clear handover of duties to a colleague or contact person.

2. Use Technology to Reinforce Boundaries

Technology can be a powerful tool for maintaining work-life boundaries. Use “Out of Office” messages to inform anyone who contacts you that you’re unavailable and provide an alternative point of contact. Shared calendars can also help by marking yourself as unavailable on weekends or holidays, reinforcing that this time is for personal rest.

3. Ensure Effective Handover Processes Before Taking Annual Leave

Before going on leave, complete a thorough handover process. This includes detailing all ongoing tasks, listing contact points for specific queries, and ensuring that teammates are prepared to cover immediate responsibilities. Managers can support this by redistributing workloads effectively, minimizing disruptions during an employee’s time off.

4. Promote a Workplace Culture that Respects Personal Time

For long-term change, companies must promote a culture that values work-life balance. Management training on the importance of respecting personal time and recognizing the risks of burnout can create awareness across the organization. Employers should also consider implementing policies that limit after-hours emails or messages.

5. Encourage Managers to Lead by Example

When managers respect their time, they set an example for the rest of the team. Leaders who avoid sending messages over weekends or during vacations demonstrate respect for boundaries, reinforcing that work-life balance is a shared value within the organization.

Our Responsibility to Strengthen Work-Life Boundaries

It’s our collective responsibility to ensure that the line between work and personal time becomes clearer, enabling us to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Without these boundaries, employees risk burnout and companies risk losing valuable talent.

Do you have a balanced work and personal life? Share your experience in the comments below, and let’s start a conversation about the importance of work-life balance.

Sources:

1. BetterUp. (2021). Time Management: 9 Strategies to Regain Control Over Your Time. Link to article. Accessed 14 November 2024.
2. Doan, Matthew. (2023). 12 Ways to Reclaim Time & Energy from Your Job. Link to article. Accessed 14 November 2024.
3. Thrive Global. (2022). 11 Ways to Reclaim Your Time for Rest and Relaxation. Link to article. Accessed 14 November 2024.