Right to disconnect: Simple reasons why unplugging from work after office hours is beneficial for your health

Research shows that constant connectivity can lead to a toxic work environment, where employees struggle to separate work from their personal lives, affecting their mental and physical health (Image: Canva)

When you are bombarded with emails and phone calls from your boss after work, it disrupts your family time and personal peace. This constant intrusion can take away your most important moments and leave you feeling stressed.

Australia’s new law granting employees the “right to disconnect” outside of work hours stresses on the growing recognition of the need for work-life balance. This law responds to how digital communication and remote work have squeezed the boundaries between professional and personal lives.

A work culture that extends beyond office hours can be detrimental, leading to burnout, increased stress, and a negative impact on your well-being. Research shows that constant connectivity can lead to a toxic work environment, where employees struggle to separate work from their personal lives, affecting their mental and physical health. Setting clear boundaries between work and personal life is important. Here’s why:

Reduces stress: Consistently being available for work communications can lead to chronic stress. By disconnecting after hours, you give yourself a break from work-related pressures, helping to lower stress levels and improve your mental health.

Better sleep: The constant influx of work messages can cause tension and disrupt your sleep. Ignoring these communications after work allows you to wind down and maintain a regular sleep schedule, leading to better quality sleep and improved cognitive function.

Proper family time: When you disconnect from work, you can fully engage in family activities without the distraction of work-related concerns. Your family gets your undivided attention and this improves family relationships and provides valuable time for bonding and relaxation.

Prevents burnout: Having clear boundaries between work and personal life can reduce feelings of anxiety and burnout. By taking time to disconnect, you give your mind the opportunity to recharge and maintain better mental health.

Increases productivity: Taking time to disconnect from work helps you recharge and reduces tension. This mental break keeps you fresh and motivated, leading to improved focus and higher productivity when you return to work.

Maintains work-life balance: Not attending to work communications after hours helps you achieve a healthier work-life balance by giving you the space to focus on personal life, hobbies, and self-growth. This time away from work allows you to engage in activities that enrich your personal interests and well-being, leading to a more fulfilling and balanced life.