Quite often, you come across the workaholic who never takes time off. His or her entire universe is built around the workplace. Even in social conversation, this person only talks about work. This person never disengages from that universe – not physically, intellectually nor emotionally. So to speak, he has invested everything in work.
Each morning he is in the office latest 6:30 and works throughout the day and sometimes into the night. He demonstrates a compulsive sense of belonging and even proprietary entitlement. Every employer wants dedication. Yet dedication to the workplace is very unhealthy if it degenerates into some form of maniacal obsession. It can be harmful to you, to your work, your colleagues and eventually to your organization. It is a simple law of supply and demand.
If the supply is overdone, you will certainly hit the point of diminishing utility of returns. The more you invest in the effort, the less productive you become.
Taking time off work is just as important as exceeding your targets. It helps you to unwind and reflect. Without taxing yourself too much you could eventually find answers to work related riddles. The riddle could be the boss, colleagues, or even subordinates. It is during such breaks that you get to understand yourself better. New insights come to you without much mental effort. They just seem to dawn on you in your hour of calmness.
The greater curse is when you are always in the workplace so as to escape from some situation that you do not want to confront in life. Work will not take away this situation. It might, in fact, only get worse with time. It could even make your years of success at work a big joke. Issues are best consciously addressed. This will give you a good opportunity to do other things that make you an even better worker.
Reflecting on some people who have since moved on could possibly remind you that we are all passing through. You must therefore make your life whole by ensuring you have a life beyond your beloved work. And we are not talking about financial security here – although it is important – but being able to enjoy life after work. Indeed after we start working, we lose sight of why we work. You could surprise yourself that you still work for the basics, even after having worked for so many years. I often ask myself what the grater good I work for is, apart from the obvious.
There is no pride in not taking leave for years. Contrary to the belief that it demonstrates commitment, you are actually hiding you inefficiency. Allow somebody else to stand in for you and you may be amazed by the things you had not seen, or addressed. Hugging your desk perpetually does not make you a good worker. You may be an ever present worker but of what value is it?
Time off work guarantees both physical and mental wellness. Do you want to believe that you are indispensable? Nothing proves you wrong with the brutality of loss of wellness. It is tragic to only learn when you are unwell that somebody else can do what you are doing and possibly better. It does not matter what your position is.
Beyond this, if you never take off you won’t experience job satisfaction. You risk burnout. Indeed, you have already burnt out. That is why you are hugging your desk. You are too afraid to move because you are not sure you will come back.
Taking time off works wonders with relationships, with your boss, subordinates, peers, family or even friends. It gives you time for rediscovery. It brings back the sparkle in that failing relationship. It is reassuring to all that you can go and come back.
The writer of this article is David Muturi who serves currently as the executive director of the Kenya institute of Management (KIM)
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