Five reasons to go home on time (at least during National Work Life Week, 2-6 October)
Step away from your desk … working long hours is bad for your health and creativity.
Even Albert Einstein realised that time away from work is good for us!
Finding the right work-life balance is a hot topic for many executives and leaders. Some argue there is no such thing as a balance, but in looking at how not having balance can damage our health, finances and quality of life, perhaps it is more important than ever to try and find a balance.
- Working long hours has a negative impact on your health
Researchers pooled data from 25 previous studies, involving more than 600,000 individuals, and found the risk of developing a stroke increased by over 30% in people who worked long hours (more than 55 hours a week). The increased risk of heart disease was a considerable 13%. Working longer hours is linked to a mainly sedentary lifestyle, increasing levels of stress and unhealthy eating choices.
- Working long hours does not benefit your bank balance
In a research study conducted by a health insurer, it was found that unpaid overtime has become a fact of life for one in four British employees, who clock up at least seven hours over their contracted, and salaried, working time each week. 11% of those workers questioned said they remained in the office because they were afraid they might lose their job if they didn’t put in extra hours!
- Work expands into the time we have available
It is easy to make the assumption that those who work longer hours are more productive and achieve more than their peers who work shorter hours.
A recent study from researchers at Boston University found that this is not the case. Managers in the study could not tell whether an employee was actually putting in the long hours or merely pretending to do so. They could find no evidence that long hours had any impact on the amount of work done.
- Time away makes us more creative
We’ve all experienced the time when the solution to a work situation suddenly popped into our minds while we were doing something entirely different. Taking time out of the workplace enables you to take yourself away from problems and challenges and see them in a different light.
Even Albert Einstein had got this down to a fine art stating: “although I have a regular work schedule, I take time to go for long walks on the beach so that I can listen to what is going on inside my head.”
- Work is only one part of our lives
Our lives are increasingly busy – whether it is family commitments, a hectic social life, studying for a qualification, or being passionate about a hobby. Although for many of us our careers are hugely important, taking time out to pursue other interests makes us more interesting as people, and enables us to put other aspects of our lives into perspective.
If you are concerned about your stress levels, heart issues or diet, please make an appointment to see the nurse or Doctor on 966 860 258
