The Importance of Leaders Respecting Employees’ Personal Time
The balance between work and personal life is no longer a perk but a requirement from employees, as shown by a study conducted by Indeed. The research reveals that 85% of Mexicans believe their supervisors should not contact them outside of working hours or on days off.
This statistic highlights the need for leaders to respect workers’ time, as constant availability is no longer a sign of commitment but an invasion of personal space that leads to wear and tear, stress, and eventually loss of talent.
Benefits of Disconnecting from Work
Nelson Gómez, Director of Indeed in Mexico, emphasizes that disconnecting from work, even when it’s not the weekend, helps recover focus and energy, resulting in increased productivity.
Generation Z and Women: The Most Insistent on Respect for Personal Time
The Indeed study specifies that 87% of Generation Z and 89% of women are the most insistent on respect for their personal time, valuing it more than men (81%). Regarding maternity and paternity, 92% of women consider it essential to respect this aspect of their lives, while 86% of men also identify it as an important issue.
The Challenge for Leaders: Leading with Boundaries
Leaders need to foster an organizational culture centered on employee well-being, where work hours are respected. Therefore, it’s crucial for them to establish clear boundaries between the workday and personal life.
However, the challenge lies in changing mindsets, as availability has long been considered a reflection of commitment. Leaders must advocate for outcome-based work and set clear communication rules, scheduling meetings in advance, and avoiding messages outside working hours.
Creating an Organizational Culture that Establishes Boundaries
Respecting work hours is not just about well-being but also productivity. When leaders invade employees’ personal space with off-hour messages or calls, it generates wear and tear, demotivation, and often, staff turnover.
According to Indeed, organizations can establish clear working hour norms and make exceptions in specific cases or departments when necessary. They can also implement policies to avoid frequent interruptions and define priorities, distinguishing between urgent matters and those that can wait.
Microsoft WorkLab data indicates that employees receive 275 interruptions daily, such as calls, meetings, and messages, preventing them from focusing. Companies can promote realistic changes, like avoiding interruptions after certain hours or scheduling meetings in advance to optimize time use.
Benefits of Promoting Healthy Boundaries
“For organizations, promoting healthy boundaries can reduce staff turnover, improve employee commitment, and foster innovation since rested, respected individuals contribute better ideas,” concludes Nelson Gómez.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Why is respecting employees’ personal time crucial? A: It’s essential for building trust, preventing burnout, and fostering a positive work environment.
- Q: Who is most insistent on respect for personal time? A: Generation Z (87%) and women (89%) are the most insistent, valuing personal time more than men (81%).
- Q: What challenges do leaders face in establishing boundaries? A: The main challenge is changing mindsets, as constant availability has long been mistaken for commitment.
- Q: How can organizations create a culture that respects boundaries? A: By setting clear working hour norms, avoiding frequent interruptions, and promoting realistic changes like scheduling meetings in advance.
- Q: What benefits do healthy boundaries bring to organizations? A: They can reduce staff turnover, improve employee commitment, and foster innovation.
