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A healthier work style starts with the bravery to challenge deep-seated conventions. Late-night emails and weekend phone calls have become commonplace in today’s hyper-connected age. As hybrid and remote work continue to redefine professional habits, the distinction between work and personal time is dissolving. It is time to reflect on how these changes are impacting health, happiness, and concentration. Dr Vikram Vora, Medical Director, International SOS (Indian Subcontinent) shares all you need to know: When Flexibility Turns into Fatigue The flexibility promised by hybrid and remote formats has, to some extent, become an expectation of continual availability. The workday now extends beyond traditional hours, often diminishing rest and recovery time. Yet, extended hours do not necessarily result in greater output. Rather, they can drain energy, decrease concentration, and harm physical and mental well-being. Organizations need to understand that productivity should never come at the cost of well-being. The best-performing workplaces are those that find the balance between performance and sustainability creating environments that enable individuals to contribute their best without putting their health at risk. Constructing Healthier Work Habits Implementing responsible workplace practices will enable organizations to preserve efficiency while protecting employees’ well-being. Some important strategies include: Flexibility during peak hours: Allowing employees to schedule work in alignment with their natural productivity cycles enhances concentration and reduces burnout. The four-day workweek: Trials around the world have shown that shorter weeks can sustain or even increase productivity, accompanied by higher satisfaction and morale. Respect for after-work boundaries: Companies that discourage late-night emails and weekend meetings help reestablish balance and encourage a healthier rhythm between work and personal life. Promoting breaks and time away: Breaks, vacations, and mental health days are essential to maintaining performance. A refreshed workforce is more innovative, productive, and engaged. Leading by example: When leaders model balance through their own behaviors clocking out on time and taking breaks, it establishes a cultural norm that encourages others to follow suit. Making work more human: Real progress is not about adding hours but redesigning the way work is accomplished. Empathy-based, people-focused workplaces lead to more fulfilling and enduring outcomes. The Way Forward The changing nature of work calls for a transition from a culture of overwork to one centered on well-being and sustainable performance. Organizations that lead the way on balance and health will not only develop happier employees but also healthier, more resilient teams. A healthier approach to work is not merely a wellness program, it is a long-term success strategy.
