You receive a notification on your phone—it’s a work email from your manager. With a slight hesitation, you open the message, quickly skim through it, and then find yourself snapping at your child to hurry up with the remote. Frustrated, you pour another glass of wine.
If you’ve ever felt anger after receiving work-related emails outside of office hours, you’re not alone. A study conducted by the College of Business at the University of Texas at Arlington found that employees often experience significant frustration when they receive work emails or texts at home, particularly if the messages are negative or demand a substantial time commitment. “Participants reported feelings of anger upon receiving after-hours communication,” stated lead researcher, Dr. Alex Rivera.
The investigation monitored 314 working adults over a week. Rivera identified two distinct types of employees: segmentors, who prefer to keep their work and personal lives separate, and integrators, who are keen on staying updated on work matters. Not surprisingly, segmentors experienced a greater negative impact on their personal lives due to post-work emails. While integrators also felt anger, it did not significantly disrupt their daily lives, Rivera noted.
What Can Be Done?
What can be done to alleviate this issue? Researchers advocate for better employer training regarding appropriate times for sending emails and what topics should be addressed after hours. “With the rise of smartphones, we live in a culture of constant connectivity,” explained Dr. Lisa Hartman, dean of the university’s College of Business. “However, as with any aspect of business, proper implementation is key to ensuring effectiveness.”
Another effective strategy? Consider refraining from checking emails after work hours. This approach can significantly improve your work-life balance.
Further Reading
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In summary, after-hours work emails can disrupt family life and lead to unnecessary stress. By understanding the impact of these communications and implementing boundaries, individuals can foster a healthier work-life balance.