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Always-On Anxiety: Taming the After-Hours Vortex #ToxicWorkplaces

Always-On Anxiety: Taming the After-Hours Vortex #ToxicWorkplaces

By Monica Brown

Welcome back to the #ToxicWorkplaces series, where we unveil the hidden costs of unhealthy work environments. Today, we delve into the ever-present anxiety that plagues many professionals – Always-On Anxiety.

The Anxiety of After-Hours Email

The digital age has blurred the lines between work and personal life. Emails ping after hours, deadlines loom large, and the pressure to be constantly available creates a mental vortex that spills into our precious downtime. This “after-hours anxiety” isn’t just a nuisance – it’s a symptom of a broken workplace culture that prioritises productivity over well-being.

Rosa Antonia Carrillo what a brilliant article.Just had to share it. Toxic Culture, Burnout, Mental Health and a Way Forward

The High Cost of Constant Connection

  • Burnout: Always-on culture fosters chronic stress, leading to burnout – a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion.
  • Diminished Creativity: Constant mental stimulation leaves little room for the quiet reflection and rejuvenation necessary for creative thinking.
  • Strained Relationships: Work bleeding into personal life creates tension in our relationships with loved ones.
  • Health Issues: Chronic anxiety can manifest in physical problems like headaches, sleep disturbances, and even weakened immune systems.
How to Stop Thinking About Work After Hours

Taking Back Control: Strategies for Taming the Vortex

Here’s the good news: You can reclaim your after-hours peace. Here are a few strategies:

  • Set Communication Boundaries: Communicate your availability clearly. Let colleagues know you won’t be checking emails outside of work hours.
  • Embrace “Do Not Disturb”: Utilise tools like silence notifications and “Do Not Disturb” modes during your personal time.
  • Schedule Disconnection: Carve out time in your day where you intentionally disconnect from work – take a walk, read a book, spend time with loved ones.
  • Prioritise Sleep: Getting sufficient sleep is crucial for stress management and overall well-being. Establish a regular sleep schedule and stick to it.
  • Talk to Your Manager: If the pressure to be constantly available is coming from leadership, have a conversation about setting more realistic boundaries.

After-work emails cause stress, even if you don’t open them

The Unspoken Truth

The responsibility doesn’t solely lie on employees. Organisations have a role to play in fostering healthy work-life balance. This includes:

  • Respecting employee boundaries.
  • Encouraging use of paid time off.
  • Promoting a culture of self-care.

Toxic Work Culture: 18 Examples and How to Improve It

Remember: Your well-being is paramount. By setting boundaries and prioritising your personal life, you’ll be a happier, healthier, and ultimately, more productive employee.

Let’s break the cycle of Always-On Anxiety!

Together, we can rewrite the narrative of the #ToxicWorkplace.

Monica Brown, Changemaker, Activist And Social Entrepreneur, CRW NEWS Freelance Columnist

Article Reproduced with Permission from Monica Brown

To view the original article by Monica Brown on LinkedIn visit here

We hope you enjoyed the article, you can read more articles from Monica here and there will be more regular weekly articles from Monica Brown coming soon.