The Hidden Toll of Continuously Overworking
Understanding the Importance of Disconnecting for Leadership Success.
In a memo to his workforce, Wayfair’s CEO Niraj Shah conveyed the message that employees should anticipate working extra hours. A notable quote from the memo said “Working long hours, being responsive, blending work and life, is not anything to shy away from”.
I’ve come across many leaders, including myself at times, who often find themselves and their team working extra-long hours, extending well into the night. The pressure to meet the demands of our positions and the goals of our organization drives us to push beyond regular working hours, resulting in stress and a constant preoccupation with work-related issues. Despite the common belief that putting in extra hours enhances productivity, my personal experience has shown that prolonged periods of excessive work often leads to decreased efficiency, creating a cycle of working even longer hours.
A recent study by Remy E. Jennings, Allison S. Gabriel, and Klodiana Lanaj lookd into the impact of working at night on a leader’s performance and interactions with their team. This study, titled “The Importance of Leader Recovery For Leader Identity and Behavior,” suggests that the practice of working at night and constantly thinking about work may actually harm a leader’s overall effectiveness.
In the course of this investigation, 73 leaders were tasked with maintaining a daily diary, documenting their activities the previous evening and the extent to which they were able to distance themselves from work-related concerns. These leaders were also required to record their energy levels during the workday and the degree to which they identified with their leadership role. To provide a holistic perspective, they enlisted a team member of each leader to keep a parallel diary, concluding each day with an evaluation of the leader’s effectiveness.
The study’s findings revealed a significant trend. On days following evenings, where leaders successfully disconnected from their work, there was a noticeable increase in their energy levels, accompanied by a stronger identification with their leadership role. Correspondingly, team members reported perceiving these leaders as more effective and transformational during these specific days. Conversely, on days following evenings, when leaders failed to disengage from work, they reported feeling more mentally drained the following day, coupled with a diminished sense of identification with their leadership role. Interestingly, team members supported these self-reports by rating the leaders as less effective on such days.
Therefore, contrary to the popular notion that continuous work results in improved performance, the research indicates that such habits might hinder, rather than help, a leader’s abilities. The study highlights a crucial finding: a leader’s performance is at its peak on days when they actively take a mental break from work the night before. In essence, the research underscores the importance of recovery in maintaining a positive identity and optimizing behavioral outcomes. This observation aligns with my own personal experiences, reinforcing the notion that taking time for self-recovery is essential for effective leadership.
It is essential, as a leader, to ensure that we meet our organizational goals in a timely manner, which sometimes requires putting in extra hours. While this helps underscore to our team the importance of meeting deadlines, it’s crucial to recognize that these weeks of intensified effort should be the exception rather than the rule. Striking a balance between occasional intense effort and regular self-recovery is key for sustainable and effective leadership. This balance is not only important for individual leaders but also contributes significantly to the sustained success of our team and the organization overall.
For me personally, I have found the following benefits when I am able to detach from work at night.
Improved Decision Making: Leaders find themselves making crucial decisions almost daily, decisions that significantly shape the organization’s path. However, working long hours can seriously hamper our ability to make these decisions effectively.
As a leader, making wise decisions is vital. It involves navigating through complex challenges and seizing opportunities with a sharp and discerning mind. Unfortunately, the toll of excessive working hours introduces fatigue, mental strain, and a decline in mental sharpness, all of which compromise the quality of decisions.
Encourage Work-Life Balance: As leaders, our team closely observes how we manage our work and personal lives. When we make a deliberate effort to prioritize recovery and maintain a balanced work-life routine, it not only shapes the atmosphere within our immediate work setting but also contributes to fostering a positive work culture. This positive culture sends a clear message to our team members, showing them that it’s acceptable and beneficial to also prioritize a healthy work-life balance.
Being a leader involves more than just making decisions and guiding teams; it’s about setting an example for the kind of workplace we want to create. By emphasizing the importance of recovery and demonstrating a commitment to maintaining a balanced work-life dynamic, we play a role in building a work culture that values overall well-being.
Enhanced Workplace Culture: As leaders, we play a pivotal role in shaping the overall atmosphere of the organization. When we arrive at work energized and have a positive mindset, it has a ripple effect on the entire team, setting the tone for a workplace culture characterized by optimism and productivity.
Our demeanor as leaders has a profound impact on the collective morale and motivation of the team. By demonstrating an energized and positive approach, we inspire our team members and create an environment where they are more likely to embrace a similar mindset. This not only fosters a sense of unity but also contributes to a workplace culture that is characterized by a shared commitment to excellence and a positive work ethic.
Mitigating Burnout Risk: Spending too many hours at work has consistently been tied to burnout and chronic stress in the workplace. Burnout doesn’t just impact mental health; it can also lead to physical problems, making people feel tired and less able to handle the pressures of leadership. To counter this risk, recognizing the need for recovery time becomes crucial.
By acknowledging the value of recovery, leaders can actively protect both their mental and physical well-being. Setting aside time to recharge doesn’t just restore energy; it also improves the ability to deal with the complexities of leadership with a fresh perspective. Making recovery a priority emerges as a smart way to build resilience, maintain top-notch performance, and ensure lasting success in the ever-changing world of leadership.
In conclusion, both the recent study by Remy E. Jennings, Allison S. Gabriel, and Klodiana Lanaj and my personal experiences underscore the critical role of recovery in sustaining effective leadership. The study, titled “The Importance of Leader Recovery For Leader Identity and Behavior,” highlights how disconnecting from work in the evenings positively influences a leader’s energy levels and identification with their role, impacting team members’ perceptions of effectiveness.
My own observations align with the study’s findings, particularly in recognizing the benefits of detaching from work at night. This practice enhances decision-making by preventing fatigue and mental strain, crucial for leaders tasked with making significant decisions. Additionally, prioritizing recovery contributes to fostering a positive work-life balance, setting an example for teams and shaping a work culture that values overall well-being.
Moreover, a leader’s influence extends to shaping workplace culture. Arriving energized and with a positive mindset not only inspires team members but also cultivates a shared commitment to excellence and a positive work ethic.
Remember, while there will always be weeks that require us to put in extra effort and additional hours to meet deadlines, it’s equally vital to prioritize both our well-being and that of our team. Striking a balance between periods of intensified work and consideration for our health and the team’s overall wellness is crucial for sustaining productivity over the long term and fostering a positive work environment. Being proactive in maintaining a healthy work-life balance ensures that we can consistently deliver our best work while also nurturing a supportive and sustainable team dynamic.
I have written several books on leadership, software development and robotics, drawing upon nearly three decades of experience in the tech industry as both an engineer and a leader. However, my most cherished role is being a dad. I enjoy anything that keeps me active, especially running, hiking, paddle boarding, and yoga. You can follow me on X (Twitter), BlueSky, and Medium.
If you enjoy my articles, please check out my book on Amazon: Foundations of Effective Leadership
