A study co-authored by Liuba Belkin, an associate professor of management at Lehigh University, highlights the negative impact of organizational after-hours email expectations on employees' health and productivity.
The research, conducted with William Becker of Virginia Tech and Samantha A. Conroy of Colorado State University, demonstrates a link between such expectations and emotional exhaustion, leading to compromised work-family balance.
The study, presented at the Academy of Management annual meeting, is the first to identify email-related expectations as a job stressor. It reveals that it's not the quantity of time spent on work emails but the anticipation itself that drives exhaustion.
The authors of the study propose practical interventions to alleviate these negative effects. Suggestions include implementing "email-free days" or establishing rotating after-hours email schedules. These strategies aim to promote better work-life balance and enhance employee well-being.
The findings of this study underscore the need for organizations to reconsider their approach to after-hours email communication to ensure their employees' mental health and overall productivity. By acknowledging the impact of these expectations and adopting measures to counter their negative effects, companies can create a healthier and more balanced work environment for their employees.
Source: LEIGH UNIVERSITY
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