The results of a recent study are a loud warning. Monitoring email after hours is not a primary reason for our existence.
Researchers from Virginia Tech surveyed 108 employees working at least 30 hours per week, 138 significant others and 105 managers and found that the sheer expectation of monitoring work email, rather than the amount of time spent doing so, led to increased anxiety in both employees and their significant others.
Source: ABC News, August 10, 2018. Link.
“Being able to be in the moment is one of the biggest things we teach people in alleviating anxiety. Remove distractions and focus on the conversations you are having,” Dr. Lama Bazzi said.
INSIGHTS: In addition to email, our team adds texting and instant messaging to the mix of expectations.