Oh great, another email notification from your supervisor. You open it up, your heart sinks, and before you know it, you’re barking at your child to hurry up with the remote while simultaneously reaching for that wine bottle to fill your glass. Sound familiar?
If after-work emails get under your skin, you’re definitely not alone. A recent study from the College of Business at the University of Texas revealed that receiving work emails at home often leads to frustration, and that frustration can spill over into personal life. According to the study’s author, Jake Thompson, participants reported feeling irritated when they received emails after hours, particularly if those messages were critical or demanded immediate attention.
The research tracked 314 professionals over the span of a week and identified two distinct types of workers: those who prefer to separate their professional and personal lives, known as segmentors, and those who like to stay updated on work matters, referred to as integrators. Unsurprisingly, segmentors experienced more negative impacts on their personal lives from after-hours communication. Integrators did feel anger as well, but it generally didn’t disrupt their personal interactions, Thompson noted.
What Can Be Done?
So, what can be done about this? The researchers proposed some training for employers on the optimal timing for sending emails and which topics are suitable for after-hours discussions. Rachel Jennings, dean of the university’s College of Business, emphasized that while the “always-on” culture fostered by smartphones is pervasive, it can be managed effectively with the right approach.
And here’s a simple suggestion: consider ditching the habit of checking work emails outside of office hours. It’s a step that could lead to a much more peaceful home life.
Additional Resources
For more insights on how to navigate the complexities of work and personal life, check out this post on Cervical Insemination. If you’re interested in at-home insemination options, Make A Mom offers reliable syringe kits that can help you on your journey. Additionally, for those looking for valuable information on fertility and pregnancy, Cleveland Clinic’s podcast is a fantastic resource.
In short, after-hours emails can wreak havoc on both your mood and your relationships. By setting boundaries and possibly even turning off notifications, you can reclaim your evenings and enjoy quality time with your loved ones.
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