Part I of this column provided an overview of the topic of “unplugging” from work. Part II provides information regarding how organizations and employees can begin to disconnect from work and reclaim their personal time.
In some organizations, there is a perception that an employee who unplugs after work, on weekends, and on vacations is not as dedicated to the organization. Organizations must actively combat this perception, and it starts at the top with organizations’ senior leaders.
It’s imperative that organizational leaders recognize the importance of unplugging, not only to their employees but to the organization as a whole, and communicate that message to their employees. Moreover, senior leaders must “walk the talk” and unplug themselves. In addition, there must be ready examples of people known to “turn off” who get promoted. Continuing to promote well-known workaholics will defeat the message that unplugging is valued.
At the middle-manager level, managers must ensure that workers have time to recover, and time off should be a topic of conversation to ensure that employees know it’s valued. Managers should incorporate policies that support unplugging, in some cases even forcing employees to unplug. Some companies are beginning to understand the need for their employees to unplug and are taking steps to make them unplug. Volkswagen, Europe’s largest carmaker, deactivates all employees’ work email accounts right after work hours and reactivates them right before work is to begin again the next day.
And how can employees take steps on their own to unplug? Here are some tips:
• Create a strong work-home boundary and ensure work is conducted only in work areas. If you work at home, set rules regarding in what rooms work takes place (e.g., maybe just your home office but not in the dining room, living room or bedroom).
• Set restrictions on work-related communications. Determine where and when you will communicate about work.
• Turn off the work email notifications on your phone when you leave the office every day, with the understanding that if you are really needed, someone will call you.
• Out of sight, out of mind — Keep your devices in a separate room, out of the way. Put your cell phone in a drawer or on a charger in an out-of-the-way room when you get home every day to remove the temptation to check it.
• If you do check your email occasionally, resist the urge to answer every email. Scan the subject lines and only answer ones that are urgent.
• Establish family rules, such as no devices at dinner or at certain times (e.g., before breakfast) and hold each other accountable.
• Establish rules with your colleagues that support unplugging.
• Remind yourself that you and your loved ones need quality time.