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

The Workplace Wellness Collective: Workplace Leadership Hour Episode 5

Leaders today 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

Founder and CEO, 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

    Engaging in enjoyable activities during downtime, such as hobbies, exercise, or spending time with loved ones, significantly reduces stress and prevents burnout.

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

    Psychological detachment from work during and after work hours is crucial for preventing burnout and maintaining high levels of performance and well-being. Leaders who detach can sustain their productivity and mental health.

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

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

    Mental Clarity and Creativity: Downtime helps clear the mind, leading to improved problem-solving, gaining perspective, creativity, making informed, strategic and innovative thinking.

    Long-Term Productivity: Consistent rest periods can prevent burnout, leading to sustained productivity over the long term rather than short bursts of intense activity followed by exhaustion.

• • Setting Boundaries: Overcoming Guilt and Maintaining Balance

    Leaders can avoid burnout by setting clear boundaries between work and personal time. This helps maintain a healthy work-life balance and models positive behavior for their teams.

• •  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
    1. 1. Rested leaders set a positive example for their teams, promoting resilience, problem-solving skills, and increased engagement, driving overall success for the organization.

    “I feel guilty because my identity is closely tied to my work. This comes up when I talk about being a “caregiver”. What I see is that many caregivers think that they have to be “all-in” because of the identity connection to their work which often comes to the detriment of their own mental health. I try to reframe this, 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. “

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.

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.

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Written and Reviewed by Sumana Jeddy 

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