The Rise of “Workcations”

The Rise of "Workcations": Why it's Bad for Your Mental Health at Work

The pandemic has brought about a new trend called "workcations", where people take their work with them while they are on vacation.

The idea is to be able to relax and enjoy a vacation while still getting work done. However, research shows that this trend may be doing more harm than good for our mental health at work.

First, workcations blur the lines between work and leisure time. Taking work with you on vacation can cause stress and anxiety, as you may feel pressured to get work done while also trying to enjoy your time off.

This can lead to burnout and increased stress levels, which can have negative effects on your mental health.

Second, workcations can interfere with the ability to truly disconnect from work. When you take your work with you on vacation, you may find yourself constantly checking your email or responding to work-related messages. This can make it difficult to switch off and relax, which can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety.

Third, workcations can lead to feelings of guilt and guilt-trips. People who take workcations may feel guilty for not being able to fully enjoy their vacation or for not being able to fully concentrate on work. This can cause further stress and anxiety, and can lead to a vicious cycle of feeling guilty for not doing either task to the best of your ability.

Workcations may seem like a good idea in theory, but in reality, they can have negative effects on our mental health. It is important to set clear boundaries between work and leisure time, and to give ourselves the space to truly disconnect and relax. Taking a break from work, even if it's just a short one, can help refresh our minds and reduce stress levels, leading to better overall mental health.

Need help setting better boundaries at work? Coaching can help :)