Rest is Essential for Leaders, Not Just a Luxury
Rest is not merely a luxury; it’s a necessity, especially for those in leadership positions. When leaders are stressed, it negatively impacts the work environment and the emotional health of their team members. Overwork, critical decision-making, crisis management, and charting the company’s course can lead to a heavy mental and emotional load, potentially resulting in burnout.
According to the “Wellbeing at Work 2025” study by Wellhub, work-related stress is the primary cause of mental health issues among employees in Mexico, with 55% reporting this as a problem.
Furthermore, Harvard School of Sleep Medicine highlights that decision-making and productivity are directly linked to the quality of rest. When we disconnect, our brains have space to reorganize ideas, process emotions, and regain energy.
The Shift in Leadership Perspective on Rest
In a culture where success is often measured by productivity, with endless meetings, late-night emails, and packed schedules, many leaders are challenging this narrative.
Rest is no longer seen as wasted time but a highly effective practice for strengthening leadership. Recovering energy, processing ideas, and having space for reflection are crucial factors in leading with clarity.
How Leaders Rest
For leaders, taking a break means returning with greater clarity, fresh perspectives, and enhanced connection with their team. Here are some examples of how successful entrepreneurs like Bill Gates, Richard Branson, and Carlos Slim view rest not as an interruption to success but as an accelerator of it.
Bill Gates
The co-founder of Microsoft takes two annual “Think Weeks,” during which he retreats to a cabin, focusing on reading numerous reports, reflecting on the future, and formulating his ideas. These are not typical vacations but deliberate pauses designed for deep thinking, a habit that has shaped critical decisions in his career.
Richard Branson
The founder of the Virgin Group practices active rest. From his private island, Necker Island, he engages in activities like kitesurfing, yoga, and hiking. He believes that leaders who feel physically and emotionally well are more creative and resilient, demonstrating this through his relaxed yet effective leadership style.
Carlos Slim
One of Mexico’s most influential entrepreneurs advocates for “productive leisure,” focusing on reading, analyzing the world, spending time with family, and having unhurried space for deep thought. For Slim, profound reflection is essential for making wise decisions in a rapidly changing world.
Carlos Bremer
The founder of Grupo Financiero Value, who passed away early in 2024, emphasized the importance of enjoying life to maintain motivation. His passion for boxing and baseball was not just a hobby but a way to recharge, find inspiration, and connect with his driving forces. He also deeply valued family time, acknowledging that his energy came from this source.
Rest is Not Escaping Responsibilities
Rest does not mean avoiding responsibilities; instead, it prepares leaders to tackle them with more energy, vision, and humanity. Leaders who allow and promote rest not only take care of themselves but also inspire healthier, more resilient, and sustainable organizational cultures.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the significance of rest for leaders? Rest is crucial for leaders to avoid burnout, maintain emotional health, and make better decisions. It allows them to return with clarity, fresh perspectives, and enhanced team connection.
- How do successful entrepreneurs view rest? Leaders like Bill Gates, Richard Branson, and Carlos Slim see rest as an essential part of their success strategy, not a hindrance. They use it to think deeply, create with clarity, innovate, and act more consciously.
- What are examples of how these leaders rest? Bill Gates takes “Think Weeks” to read and reflect, Richard Branson practices active rest through physical activities on his private island, Carlos Slim advocates for “productive leisure,” and Carlos Bremer enjoyed hobbies like boxing and baseball to recharge.
- Why is rest important for organizational culture? When leaders prioritize rest, they inspire healthier, more resilient, and sustainable organizational cultures.
