Have long hours at the office truly made you a
Over half of workers in the U.S. said
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So, are you working hard or just overworking? According to Workaholics Anonymous, a support group for people whose work habits have become unhealthy, some signs you've slipped into the latter category include being more drawn to work than close relationships, taking work to bed and on vacation, and fear that if you don't work constantly you will be considered a failure.
While some jobs require a greater time commitment than others, people should prioritize efficiency over hours spent. Part of this is being mindful of common time traps, including checking emails during non-work hours and having trouble saying "no" to new assignments, says Ramon Velazquez, a neuroscience consultant at Mind Lab Pro, a company focused on brain performance and health. And if struggling to make the best use of their time is taking a toll on employees, it's important that they can turn to leadership for assistance.
"When work stress drives employees to the point of mental burnout, the best resource they can turn to is a great manager," Velazquez says. "Healthy work relationships based on trust and open communication enable employees to voice their concerns and ask for help. Even just listening can go a long way in helping employees to feel better, thereby restoring motivation, productivity and overall job satisfaction."
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If an employee requires additional support, there are various company resources and programs employers can provide. Velazquez notes the value of EAP options such as confidential counseling services, as well as digital platforms that focus on various wellness areas such as stress management, meditation and cognitive behavioral therapy. Internal mentoring and coaching programs, as well as professional skills development in areas like time management and productivity are also beneficial, he says.
"Encouraging employees to use these resources empowers them to re-evaluate their workload, enhance coping mechanisms, and create a more sustainable work-life balance," Velazquez says.
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When employees know how to set healthy boundaries, focus on their most important tasks and take time to recharge, they are far more productive — and leaders can set the most impactful example.
"It's up to employers to create a healthy work culture. Leaders set the tone by modeling healthy work habits, taking time off, disconnecting after work, and prioritizing well-being," Velazquez says. "Managers should ask employees about their vacation plans and share in their excitement. This helps employees enjoy guilt-free vacation time and return to work refreshed, recharged and primed for peak productivity."
