top of page
The Workplace Wellness Collective

Leading Without Guilt:How Your Downtime Drives Growth and Prevents Burnout

Updated: Sep 24

The Workplace Wellness Collective: Workplace Leadership Hour Episode 5


The Workplace Wellness Collective: Workplace Leadership Hour Episode 1

In today’s fast-paced world, leaders often feel pressured to be constantly available, leading to burnout and decreased productivity. The Workplace Wellness Collective is excited to present Leading Without Guilt: How Your Downtime Drives Growth and Prevents Burnout, featuring research by Sumana Jeddy, strategies from Michele Thomson, and practical tips from Felipe Cofiño. This episode explores the importance of rest, recovery, and detachment from work, showing how downtime fuels creativity, resilience, and sustainable leadership. We also had a special guest, Marion Spears Karr, who shared insights on how tapping into a flow state can support the implementation of a 4-day workweek, helping leaders optimize their time and energy for greater results. Dive into the key takeaways that will help you lead effectively without sacrificing your well-being.


 

Sumana Jeddy

Sumana Jeddy

CEO of The Workplace Wellness Collective and Jeddy Wellness



Taking time off isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a strategic move for survival and success. Strategically chose to REST else you will be FORCED to rest i.e. your body will shut down.

Sumana's Research:

The Power of Recovery: Recharging for Effective Leadership

Recovery during non-work time is vital for maintaining work engagement and proactive behavior. When leaders effectively disconnect, they return more energized, creative, and better equipped to lead their teams.

The Role of Enjoyable Activities: Reducing Stress and Preventing Burnout

The Importance of Psychological Detachment: Sustaining Performance and Well-being

Reference: Sonnentag, S. (2003): Recovery, Work Engagement, and Proactive Behavior: A New Look at the Interface Between Nonwork and Work.

MIchele Thomson



Michele Thomson

Leadership and Workplace Culture Specialist


I feel guilty because my identity is closely tied to my work. Being "all-in" doesn't mean not taking a break, it means having the ability to remain present and engaged with each patient so they feel heard and safe in your care. Otherwise, we end up providing "task-based" care and going through the motions which does not support patient outcomes and improved quality of life. 

Michele's Strategies:

Understanding the Guilt Around Downtime

Many leaders feel guilty about taking breaks, equating it with a lack of commitment. Reframing downtime as essential for sustained high performance can create a healthier workplace culture.

The Positive Impact of Downtime on Growth

Setting Boundaries: Overcoming Guilt and Maintaining Balance


 Practical Tips for Integrating Breaks: Scheduled and Micro Breaks

Scheduling regular downtime like long weekends and incorporating micro breaks (such as the 20-20-20 Rule) helps leaders recharge and stay focused.

The Ripple Effect of a Rested Leader: Inspiring Resilience and Engagement



Felipe Confino

Felipe Cofiño

HR Executive| Top HR Voice Linkedin

My guilty pleasure when I work from home is to spend time in my backyard. I take micro-moments to reflect and admire my backyard. When I go to the office, I walk around a lot. It is great for my physical and mental well-being.

Ideas for Leaders (FelipesFive):


  1. Set Boundaries: Protect your time by establishing clear start and end times for work.

  2. Schedule Downtime: Plan breaks just like you would schedule meetings - your energy needs it!

  3. Communicate Intent: Let your team know when you're unplugging to set expectations and lead by example.

  4. Prioritize Self-Care: Mental and physical wellness should be part of your leadership strategy.

  5. Reflect and Recharge: Use downtime to reflect on your leadership journey and recharge for what's ahead.



MIchele Thomson


Marion Spears Karr

Managing Partner and Founder of In-FLOW Executives

Blocking off Fridays or adopting a 4-day work week allows for dedicated recovery time, helping leaders stay energized and maintain their flow over the long term. I am currently following this strategy and it has helped me prevent burnout.

Key Insights:


  1. Flow is a mental state of deep focus and immersion in tasks. Once distractions or other thoughts arise, flow is interrupted, requiring a pause to regain focus.

  2. Knowing when you are in flow and when you are out of it is crucial. Flow leads to heightened productivity, while losing it diminishes focus and efficiency.

  3. Recovery plays a central role in maintaining the ability to enter and sustain flow. Regular breaks and downtime help leaders re-enter flow states more easily.


Ready to Transform Your Leadership Approach?

Take the next step in transforming your leadership by prioritizing downtime and creating a healthier, more productive workplace. Here’s how you can get started:


  1. Reflect on Your Leadership Style:

    Are you giving yourself permission to disconnect and recharge?

    How often do you prioritize your well-being and set an example for your team?

    Are you fostering a culture that values rest and recovery to prevent burnout?

  2. Implement Key Strategies: Start integrating the strategies from this episode to overcome guilt and embrace downtime as part of your leadership role. Set clear boundaries, schedule breaks, and encourage your team to do the same for long-term success and resilience.

  3. Join Our Next Episode: Don’t miss out on further insights! Tune in on September 18 at 10 am MST / 12 pm EST for actionable tips to enhance your leadership skills.

  4. Stay Connected: Follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to our newsletter for ongoing support and resources tailored to leaders like you.

  5. Call to Action: Lead by example and foster a workplace that prioritizes wellness. By embracing recovery and strategic rest, you can boost both your productivity and your team’s success. Let’s reshape leadership by making well-being a key part of your strategy. Catch up on the live and post event comments.


Reviewed by Sumana Jeddy



Stay connected with The Workplace Wellness Collective for more resources and discussions on creating a healthier, more inclusive workplace.

Comments


bottom of page