This World Health Day, let’s talk about the health benefits of switching off

Forget the opinions of prominent business leaders about the need to increase working hours for development, innovation, and growth. Such views are not made keeping overall human health in mind. Health comes first before everything else, including work. When we take care of our health—physically, mentally, and emotionally—we’re in a much better position to be productive, focused, and engaged in our work. If health is neglected, it can lead to burnout or even serious illness, which ultimately impacts work performance.

So, it becomes imperative to disconnect after work to prioritise health, alleviate stress, and maintain a work-life balance in order to become an effective worker. This may sound like a paradox at first—after all, how can you work effectively if you're not constantly plugged in? But in reality, the ability to disconnect after work and recharge can make you stronger and more effective when you return to work. 

Long work hours demotivate, feel over 65% employees 

The idea that an employee becomes more productive by disconnecting after work is supported by many studies done on mental health, productivity, and leadership. Constant overwork can lead to burnout, reduced effectiveness, and poor decision-making. In a survey conducted by Venator Search Partners, more than 65% employees said that long and continuous working hours were demotivating. According to them, long working hours resulted in a higher attrition rate too. Majority of them, at least 84%, wanted to balance their personal and professional lives, as well as, focus on their health in the long run, said the survey. 

The survey, which examined workplace stress, productivity, compensation, and employees' general perspectives, found that 62% of respondents cited unreasonable expectations as the primary reason for stress. According to them, taking regular breaks and focusing on well-being can lead to clearer thinking and more productivity. 

In the past, studies have indicated that extended work hours stifle creativity and hinder company’s productivity and growth, echoing concerns about the impact of continuous work hours on employees’ well-being and company’s performance. A 2023 Assocham report found that 65% of employees in India felt that extended work hours are actually bad for organisational success and growth.

Similarly, a report by Deloitte India, a few years ago, estimated that workplace stress costs the Indian economy an annual $14 Bn, underscoring the urgent need for systemic interventions to address these challenges.

Disconnecting after work can actually make you better at work

On the occasion of World Health Day, we want to remind our readers of the importance of well-being, and self-care, especially from the point of view of productivity. One habit that can drastically help you improve is disconnecting after work. It sounds simple, but disconnecting after work at the end of the day can have profound effects on your mental, emotional, and physical health—and make you more effective at the workplace.

Here’s how disconnecting after work can improve your health and productivity.

Reduces stress & anxiety: Constant work-related thoughts can lead to rise in levels of cortisol or the stress hormone, in your body. Therefore, disconnecting helps lower these levels that can reduce anxiety, help you relax, and make you feel more centered while working.

Improves the quality of sleep: Work-related stress often interferes with sleep. When you disconnect and avoid checking emails or thinking about deadlines, your mind can unwind more effectively, making it easier to fall asleep and get rest. Better sleep leads to improved cognitive function, mood, and overall health, according to doctors.

Prevents burnout: If you less often ‘switch off’, you risk burning out. Disconnecting allows you to recharge both mentally and physically, ensuring you don’t get to the point of exhaustion where work productivity declines. 

Promotes mental & physical health: Taking time for yourself can help combat feelings of stress, overwhelm, and burnout. It also creates space to focus on self-care activities like meditation, exercise, or spending time with loved ones, which can boost your mental well-being.

When you're always working, it becomes easy to neglect physical health. Disconnecting gives you the time and energy to engage in physical activity, whether going for a walk, doing yoga, or simply relaxing. These are keys to reducing the risks of chronic conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

Improves focus & cognitive function: When you're constantly in ‘work mode’, your brain becomes overloaded, which can reduce your ability to focus and think clearly. Disconnecting allows your brain to rest and reset, so when you return to work, you're sharper, more focused, and efficient.

Strengthens & nurtures relationships: Spending time away from work allows you to nurture relationships with friends, family, and loved ones. This can improve your mood and create a strong support system, essential for maintaining good health.

Enhances emotional resilience: Taking breaks and disconnecting helps you manage emotions better. It gives you the opportunity to process feelings, and regain emotional balance, which makes you better equipped to handle challenges and stress.

Recharges the ability to innovate: A break from work lets your mind wander and recharge. This downtime can often spark creativity and help you come up with new ideas and solutions to problems that might have felt stagnant during working hours.