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Working extra hours affects relationships, say Brits

Figures by the TUC revealed that, since 2001, the number of employees working 48-hour weeks has risen by a quarter of a million to three million,ย while half a million British workers suffered from work-related stress in 2018, and 44% said it was due to workload.

With the World Health Organisation defining โ€˜burnoutโ€™ as โ€œa syndromeโ€ resulting from prolonged workplace stress, which has been poorly managed, research collected byย Forest Holidays shows why burnout has become a regular occurrence, and the impact this work-related syndrome has on working families…

Combatting Burnout

In 2017, it was reported thatย 1 in 10 adults had difficulty unwinding in the evenings and on weekends. However, most people donโ€™t realise they are really burnt out until itโ€™s too late, then needing to deal with eliminating the symptoms while also having to combat the stresses that triggered it in the first place.ย ย 

Key Factors Leading to Burnout

  • High workload
  • Unclear job expectations 
  • Conflicts at work
  • Lack of managerial support
  • Work/life imbalance
  • Stressful working environmental

The Impact of Work on Modern Families

Over three-quarters of parents (78%) admit to putting in extra hours to try and get ahead of their work, with almost 50% stating the most significant impact of this overspill is the ability to increase family quality time, followed closely by a negative effect on their relationship with their partner.

Create A Better Work-Life Balance and Prioritise Quality Time with Loved Ones

Improved mental health, physical wellbeing, creativity and job satisfaction are just a few of the benefits that come from a healthy work-life balance. 

However, with the use of technology continuing to rise, research shows that families are spending more time โ€˜alone-togetherโ€™ โ€“ meaning theyโ€™re in the same house but separately. Studies on the topic have revealed, overall, โ€˜alone-togetherโ€™ time has risen by 43%, demonstrating families are often engaging with devices instead of each other.

Regaining the Balance

Further research shows that nearly two-thirds of British families spent fewer days out together in recent years compared to 20 years ago, even though having close relationships being proven to help reduce stress.

Initiate A Digital Detox

Data shows that around 7 in 10 people recognise the benefits of lowering their screen time, and 8 in 10 find having a digital detox liberating, despite having FOMO (the fear of missing out). Setting technology-free days, or phones/emails during certain times, can help to quickly achieve a relaxed period allowing you to focus on loved ones.

Work Remotely 

There has been a huge shift in the modern workplace as employers become more accepting of flexible and remote working options. Research shows 71% of the flexible user becoming more engaged at work, while Around 40% of employees believe work distraction could also be drastically reduced with flexible and remote working options.

Spend More Time Outdoors

Spending time outdoors can have a positive effect in a variety of ways including:

  • Boost moods and fight anxietyโ€“ Research shows that being in nature for just 20 minutes will lower stress hormones, such as cortisol levels.
  • Better mental healthโ€“ Walking has been proven effective in reducing anxiety and depression, and further evidence suggests walking in nature improve this further because different parts of our brains activate in nature.
  • Eliminate fatigueโ€“ Studies indicate that peopleโ€™s mental energy bounces back just by looking at images of nature, while pictures of cities did not effect.
  • Getting vitamin Dย โ€“ An essential vitamin for a well-functioning body, helping to absorb calcium, preventing osteoporosis and reducing inflammation among other things. More than 90% of our vitamin D comes from casual exposure to sunlight.ย 

Image by Shahariar Lenin from Pixabay