Source : THE AGE NEWS
In today’s professional world, the pressure to be constantly available, perpetually productive, and always switched on has become the norm. But the cost of this relentless pace is becoming increasingly clear: burnout, disengagement, and a blurring of boundaries between work and life.
Despite growing dialogue around work-life balance and mental health, many people still hesitate to take full lunch breaks, use their paid leave, or disconnect after hours.
For some, it’s guilt. For others, it’s fear. Fear of falling behind, being seen as less committed, or missing out on career opportunities. But here’s the truth – rest is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. And taking care of your wellbeing is one of the smartest long-term career moves you can make.
Having a sad desk salad? Try taking a real break instead.Credit: iStock
The modern workplace often rewards visible “busyness”. The employee who stays late or responds to emails immediately is often praised, while the one who takes their leave or clocks off on time might feel judged or worse, overlooked.
This mindset, however, is outdated and unsustainable. According to Gallup’s 2024 State of the Global Workplace report, stress among employees is at a record high. Nearly 43 per cent of workers reported feeling daily stress, and burnout continues to affect performance, engagement, and health outcomes.
While hard work is admirable, chronic overwork leads to diminishing returns. It reduces cognitive performance, hampers decision-making, and increases the likelihood of errors. It also takes a toll on mental and physical health, leading to absenteeism, turnover, and long-term dissatisfaction.
Breaks allow your brain to process information, consolidate learning, and generate new ideas
Contrary to the myth that time off signals a lack of ambition, research consistently shows that taking breaks actually improves productivity and performance.
A study published in Harvard Business Review found that professionals who use their annual leave days are significantly more likely to receive raises or promotions than those who don’t.
The same holds true for smaller, daily breaks. Something as simple as stepping away from your desk for lunch can reset your focus, improve your mood, and boost creativity.
Breaks allow your brain to process information, consolidate learning, and generate new ideas. Rest is not the opposite of productivity. It’s what makes productivity possible.
One of the most effective ways to prevent burnout is to create and maintain clear boundaries between your work and personal life. This means using your lunch break without guilt, learning to say no when you’re at capacity, setting expectations around communication outside of work hours, and taking time off when needed. Without boundaries, work seeps into every corner of your day, eroding your ability to recharge.
For managers and leaders, modelling these behaviours is crucial. When leadership respects and encourages boundaries, it sends a powerful message to teams that wellbeing is a shared priority.
Culture shifts start at the top. Companies that prioritise employee wellbeing reap the benefits in the form of higher engagement, stronger retention, and better performance.
At the heart of this conversation is a simple but profound truth: your career is part of your life, not the entirety of it. Jobs will come and go. Titles will change. But your health, your relationships, your time – these are irreplaceable.
The idea that success must come at a cost is a narrative worth challenging. A great career should support a great life, not compete with it. When we allow ourselves to unplug, we reconnect not just with ourselves, but with what truly matters.
So take your lunch break. Use your annual leave. Prioritise your health. Set boundaries. Log off after hours. The work will still be there tomorrow, and you’ll return to it better equipped to do it well. Because there’s more to life than work.
Téa Angelos is an entrepreneur, author, speaker and founder of Smart Women Society.
