As workers across various industries stare down the barrel of burnout, the conversation isn't just about how to better relax, it’s about reshaping the work culture that incessantly blurs the lines between personal downtime and professional obligations. A recent piece published on the Twin Cities website of the University of Minnesota highlights why it's critical for employees to take real breaks — and how proper vacation time can drastically improve mental health.
The emphasis on vacation isn't just to casually kick back; it's a fundamental part of preventing the kind of work exhaustion that can lead to serious health issues. According to a study by Pew, 61% of workers see paid time off as extremely important, yet it's not enough to merely offer the time off. As Carrie Oelberger, an associate professor at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, explains, to effectively prevent professional burnout, "it requires a systematic rethinking of how we develop supportive policies and organizational cultures." Oelberger emphasizes that employees need to fully disconnect during vacation times to truly replenish their mental reserves.
It’s not just about being out of the office or off-site. Oelberger points out in her research how critical it is for employees to enjoy their vacation time without interruption. She told Twin Cities, "My research shows how people more easily detach from work when they feel supported by their supervisors and when the organizational culture models being fully offline during vacation time, without pesky emails or texts coming in from work.." This kind of support is key in encouraging workers to set boundaries and prioritize their well-being over their inbox.
Setting boundaries, however, is often easier said than done, particularly for those who find deep meaning in their work. Oelberger sheds light on this challenge, recognizing that "those who find their work most meaningful often have difficulty with this practice, given the extent to which their work embodies their values and informs their identities and sense of self-worth." Thus, both organizational changes and personal boundary-setting practices play pivotal roles in enabling employees to swiftly switch off from professional mode during breaks. The goal is to allow for a true psychological detachment that rejuvenates the mind and body.
Through her courses, such as “Understanding and Avoiding Burnout”, Carrie Oelberger offers strategies tailored to the institutional, organizational, and individual levels, aiming to teach how to engage in meaningful work without falling victim to burnout. Her insights also alert us to the potential systemic issues within organizations that could lead to unfair decision-making processes, further highlighting the complexity of the issue at hand. The Humphrey School of Public Affairs, where Oelberger instructs, is renowned for its excellence in policy and planning education, suggesting that the solutions she presents are grounded in extensive expertise and academic rigor.
As discussions around workplace health continue to evolve, the need for vacation time — and the right to fully unplug during it — becomes more glaring. In a society that often prizes overwork and availability, redefining what it means to be "on break" is more than a personal choice; it's a collective movement towards healthier professional environments and, consequently, healthier lives.
