Enhancing Leadership by Embracing Off-Hours Downtime

Are you a leader who frequently finds your thoughts occupied by work matters well into your personal time? The habit of persistently mulling over work issues or mentally preparing for the next day’s tasks during your off-hours might seem like a dedication to your role. However, recent findings from a study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology suggest that this non-stop engagement with work can actually be detrimental to your effectiveness as a leader. Particularly for those new to leadership positions, failing to mentally disconnect from work can lead to a significant depletion of mental energy. In contrast, leaders who manage to mentally disengage from work during their personal time tend to be more refreshed and better aligned with their leadership identity the following day.

Our investigation involved a 10-day diary study with 73 leaders and their direct reports, where leaders were asked daily about their level of detachment from work the previous evening, their rumination over work-related issues, and their energy levels and identification with their leadership role the following day. The results were clear: leaders who successfully detached from work in the evenings reported feeling more energized and more connected to their leadership role the next day. This detachment not only benefited the leaders themselves but also positively influenced their followers’ perceptions of their leadership effectiveness.

The study also highlighted that the negative impacts of after-hours work rumination were more severe for those newer to leadership roles. For these individuals, establishing a routine that includes time to unwind and recover after work could be particularly advantageous.

Based on these findings, we offer several actionable strategies for leaders:

1. Cultivate Post-Work Detachment: It’s crucial for leaders to find personal activities that can help shift their focus away from work-related matters after hours. Engaging in hobbies, physical exercise, or quality time with family and friends can provide the necessary mental break.
2. Set Clear Work-Life Boundaries: Especially for leaders who are setting the tone for their teams, it’s important to communicate clear expectations regarding availability outside of work hours. This can help ensure that both leaders and their teams have sufficient downtime.
3. Value Recovery Time: Leaders should be mindful of the importance of rest and relaxation for maintaining their ability to connect with and fulfill their leadership roles. Effective leaders are those who approach their work refreshed and ready to embrace their responsibilities.

In essence, our study challenges the notion that constant connectivity to work is a prerequisite for successful leadership. Instead, it underscores the importance of downtime for the development of effective leadership.