19th March 2010

 

We may not physically be taking our work home, but according to the latest research, two thirds (66%) of office workers admit they spend in excess of 20 hours (equivalent to nearly three additional working days) thinking or talking about work in their so-called ‘spare’ time.

 

The research aimed to explore the extent to which people are currently ‘working to live or living to work.’ It reveals that work issues seep into people’s personal lives with 30% disclosing that work is always at the back of their mind, over a quarter (26%) admitting they consistently dream about work and 62% saying it often dominates conversations with their friends or partner.

 

While 12% consider that they are able to switch off as soon as they leave the office, the majority believe they are constantly faced with ‘triggers’ which re-engage them thinking about work. These triggers are broadly identified as something that they will have seen or heard while out socialising (59%), or when reading something relevant in the paper or watching television (29%). Additionally, Sunday night ‘syndrome’ appears to be alive and kicking with a third (33%) coming clean about experiencing the ‘blues’ when thinking about their forthcoming week.

 

Daily stress and aggravation leaves black clouds over many workers heads, with the majority (92%) citing that it’s unresolved issues which plague them late into the evening. However, it’s not all problematic, with over half (54%) also admitting that they spend time ‘after hours’ thinking of new ideas and debating better working practices. 44% also say they’re prepared to forgo their spare time if it helps them feel better prepared for impending meetings.

 

Thinking about work after hours also leaves many people with residual negative emotions. Over a third (35%) feel more stressed and tired and one in five (20%) feel like they’d never left the office. On the more positive side, 44% believe that thinking and talking through the working day is cathartic and helps to make them feel calmer and more organised.

 

Consider the following advice on how to minimise time spent worrying about work issues outside office hours:

 

• Write a to-do list for the next day before you leave the office each night

• Don’t let the sun set on issues or worries – whenever possible, resolve problems or make steps to clear issues the same day rather than taking them home with you

• Develop interests outside work – taking exercise or learning new skills will help take your mind off work issues and help to balance your professional and personal life

• Detox your desk – throwing away unwanted paper and reviewing your filing system will help you feel more in control

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