Video Podcast – What can you as a manager do about employees’ mental health outside working hours

December 16, 2023

The time employees spend outside working hours has a major influence on employees’ mental health. What can you do with this as a manager?

In this video podcast and blog you’ll hear, see or read more about the relationship between employees’ personal time and their professional lives. You’ll learn more about the perspective of the employer or manager who is aware of the impact of the sixteen hours outside working hours, during which they have little or no control over their employees.

Book me as a speaker to inspire your employees and motivate them to want to work on their own vitality.

Read, listen or watch on to discover why it’s important to keep the connection between work and private life in balance, and what you can do about it as an employer or manager.

Listen to the podcast on Spotify.

Prefer to watch a video? Watch it on YouTube.

01

The ideal picture

If there is such a thing?

Say someone has had a working day. They go home. What would be the ideal picture you’d sketch to make sure someone is fit again the next day?

Should they binge-watch, do an intense workout, eat chips?

To stay in balance, it’s important that people make sure they get enough relaxation and rest.

It’s understandable that there can be stress and busyness during the day, but the brain actually needs moments of relaxation to function properly. Instead of drinking too much or watching too many series, it’s better to make sure you get a good night’s sleep and enough time to relax.

That way people can feel better, perform better and ultimately be happier during the day.

Did you work hard during the day? Then you were switched on. So you also need to relax just as hard.

Balance is the key to wellbeing.

02

The evening programme

Your sleep is the mechanism to recover from the day and recharge for the next day. So in your evening programme you need to take into account how different things affect your sleep. To be fresh and energetic in the morning, there are a number of things you should and shouldn’t do in the evening. First, it’s important not to drink too much coffee or other caffeinated drinks at the end of the day, even if you still feel energetic. This can affect your sleep negatively. Light is also very important. During the day it’s good to take in as much natural light as possible and set your device screens to bright. But in the evening it’s better to give your screen a red tint, so it doesn’t disturb your sleep. Dim your ambient light and the light of any devices you use. It’s also wise not to eat anything more after dinner and to choose tea without sugar, or water. Snacks like chocolate, cheese and crisps can disturb your sleep. If you do still want to eat something in the evening, have a few nuts or some vegetables. Want to do some work in the evening? Then it’s important to take enough time to relax and unwind. Stop working at least an hour to an hour and a half before you go to sleep. Being fresh and energetic in the morning is the sum of several factors, so pay close attention to all of these to avoid problems.
03

So how much sleep do you need?

To maintain good sleep quality and optimal performance, it’s recommended that people get at least six and a half hours of sleep per night.

Although some people claim they can function on less sleep, studies show this carries risks.

A consistent sleep routine, including going to bed on time and creating an environment that promotes deep sleep, can help you get the sleep you need.

It’s important to time stimuli such as light well and to be careful with substances that affect sleep.

Ignoring these guidelines can lead to reduced sleep quality and a need for more sleep.

04

So can I no longer enjoy myself?

Of course you can. It doesn’t mean you can no longer enjoy life at all.

It’s all about finding a balance and making conscious choices. By applying structure and discipline to your daily routine, you can actually experience more enjoyment and satisfaction.

Many people do 80% not so well and 20% well. It’s about flipping the 80-20 rule: doing 80% well and deviating 20%. Focus on creating a healthy lifestyle (80%). By taking good care of yourself, getting enough rest and making conscious choices about food and activity, you can actually experience more energy, stability and enjoyment in your life.

It’s not about giving up enjoyment completely, but about finding a balance that lets you enjoy life to the fullest.

05

Mental health at work

As a manager it’s important to pay attention to what employees do outside working hours.

By helping them take care of themselves and relax, they can enjoy life to the fullest, which you as an employer also benefit from.

Setting a good example and inspiring employees plays a crucial role here.

Avoiding late-evening emails and encouraging a healthy work-life balance are important ways to reduce stress and promote employee wellbeing.

06

Inspiring people to be mentally vital

Inspiring employees is very important, especially when it comes to promoting vitality and creating a healthy work environment.

An effective way to achieve this is by organising inspiring keynotes on mental health and engaging workshops. These interactive sessions make employees feel connected and inspired about vitality.

Employees today want to work for organisations that value their wellbeing.

By offering this kind of support and opportunities, employers create an environment in which employees are happy and can use their full potential.

Inspiring employees with keynotes and workshops contributes to creating a positive and healthy work culture.

Also listen to, watch or read the video podcast: What can you as a manager do for employees’ mental health?

Bring this thinking to your team.