ByCaroline Castrillon,
Senior Contributor.
For most of us, the holiday season brings both joy and stress—especially at the office. A major source of that strain is unclear work boundaries and the feeling that we need to stay “always-on” even during our time away. According to a new survey from Modern Health, 57% of employees feel obligated to check their work email while on holiday, and the same percentage say their employer doesn’t recognize the emotional and financial strain of the season.
“The holidays are meant to be restorative, but for many employees they’ve become a perfect storm of financial worry, work and family pressure, and emotional strain,” said Dr. Jessica Watrous, Chief Clinical Officer at Modern Health. “Even small acts of flexibility and understanding from employers can help ensure everyone feels supported throughout the season.”
That’s why being proactive about work boundaries matters. Whether you’re planning a complete digital detox or simply want to minimize work intrusions during family time, these seven strategies will help you protect your personal time without damaging your professional reputation.
