Popular The Importance Of Taking A "Week Of Rest": A Look At Our Innovative Approach To Employee Well-Being Dani SmartJenna ArcandJune 24, 2024

At Work It DAILY, we understand that true productivity and creativity stem from a well-rested and balanced mind. This is why we have implemented our "Week of Rest" initiative, where our team takes two one-week breaks each year to ensure everyone has the opportunity to reset and come back even stronger.

As a small, dedicated team of five full-timers and three part-timers, we understand the immense value of taking true breaks from work. Our commitment to well-being extends beyond offering resources like our "Break Through Your Burnout" training and insightful articles on managing burnout: we also practice what we preach. That's why, twice a year, we take a full week off to rest and recharge, ensuring we remain energized and effective in our mission to support you.

The Genesis of the "Week of Rest"

The "Week of Rest" initiative is not just a random occurrence, and Work It DAILY isn’t the first to do it either. Other brands like HubSpot, Nike, Mozilla, and LinkedIn also provide their own versions. It is a carefully thought-out strategy rooted in the commitment to promoting mental health and overall well-being within an organization, brand, and community. Work It DAILY continues this conversation about career satisfaction, work-life balance, and the critical need for dedicated downtime with members and audiences.

The Benefits of Taking a Week to Recharge

1. Enhanced Creativity and Productivity

Rest is not merely about taking a break from work; it is about giving your mind the space to wander, dream, and innovate. Studies have shown that periods of rest can lead to significant improvements in creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

2. Reduced Burnout

Burnout is a growing concern in many industries. It can lead to decreased productivity, low morale, and even serious health issues. By incorporating regular rest periods, we help our team avoid burnout and maintain their enthusiasm and energy for their work.

3. Improved Mental Health

Taking time off reduces stress and anxiety, promoting better mental health. It allows our team members to disconnect from work pressures and focus on personal well-being.

Implementing the "Week of Rest" at Work It DAILY

Our "Week of Rest" occurs twice a year, strategically planned to ensure minimal disruption to our operations and to coincide with American holidays when most employers and organizations are away. During these weeks, all team members are encouraged to leave their work responsibilities and engage in activities that help them relax and rejuvenate. Whether it's spending time with family, pursuing hobbies, or simply enjoying some quiet time, the goal is to come back refreshed and ready to tackle new challenges.

Communicating the Importance to Our Community

Leading by example is one of the most powerful ways to influence positive change. By openly sharing our "Week of Rest" initiative with our community, we hope to inspire others to prioritize rest and self-care in their own lives. Our members have responded positively to this initiative, often expressing how our approach has encouraged them to rethink their own work habits and make room for rest.

How You Can Incorporate Rest into Your Routine

While not everyone may be able to take a full week off, there are still ways to incorporate regular rest into your routine:

• Schedule Mini-Breaks: Take short breaks throughout your workday to stretch, walk, or meditate.
• Unplug After Hours: Set boundaries by turning off work notifications during your personal time.
• Plan Vacation Time: Even if it’s just a long weekend, plan (and TAKE) periods of time away from work.

Conclusion

At Work It DAILY, we are committed to fostering a work culture that values balance, well-being, and personal growth. Our "Week of Rest" is one of the many ways we strive to support our team and community in achieving a fulfilling and sustainable career. As we continue to promote the importance of rest and recharge, we invite you to join us in prioritizing your own well-being, ensuring you have the energy and creativity to excel in all areas of your life.

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work-life balance Partner Boost 11 Ways To Enjoy Summer When You’re Working A Full-Time Job Ariella CoombsJenna ArcandJune 13, 2024 Bigstock

There you are: sitting on the beach, covered in sunscreen, reading your favorite book, drinking your favorite drink under the cool shade of an umbrella. Life doesn't get any better than this. Suddenly, a door slams, a phone rings, a printer turns on. You jolt back into consciousness. You're at work, sitting in your cubicle, without even a hint of sunshine streaming in from outside.

When you're working a full-time job, finding time to enjoy the warm, bright summer weather can be a challenge. This is especially true for young professionals, as many of them are used to having summers off (or, at the very least, having a flexible summer schedule). But there's no need to feel trapped behind your cubicle walls. Go out and enjoy summer!

Here are a few tips for making the most of your summer while working full time.

1. Grab Some Foldable Chairs

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Keep a couple of foldable camping chairs at the office so you and a co-worker can catch some rays during lunch—whether it's in the park or the parking lot.

2. Keep A Beach Bag In Your Car​

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Keep a bag full of summer supplies for your favorite summer activities. Having a bag (or, in my case, a backseat) full of towels, sunscreen, and swimwear keeps you prepared for anything. Friends hitting up the pool after work? You're covered. Once the clock strikes five, you can head to your destination of choice immediately.

3. Plan An Office Outing

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Plan an office field trip to the beach, the park, or the pool. Just do something fun so your brain can recharge and refresh!

4. Organize Group Walks

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Get a bunch of co-workers together and go on regular walks around town during lunch. (Or you could suggest a quick jaunt over to the ice cream shop.) This is a great way to get some fresh air, sunshine, and exercise.

5. Eat Lunch At The Park

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When you find yourself eating out, hit up places with a deck, porch, or patio of some sort. Obviously, eating out every day isn't really a feasible option for most of us, so look into alternative ideas as well. Pack a lunch and hit the park for your own little picnic.

6. Organize Office Sports

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Whether it's setting up an official office sports team or just hanging out with your colleagues a few times a week, playing sports is a great way to get out and enjoy the weather. Have a field nearby? Try setting up some slow-pitch softball games. Or see if you can get a basketball hoop for the office so you and a few co-workers can shoot some hoops at lunch.

7. Join A Professional Group

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During the summer, professional networking groups often have fun events like harbor cruises, pub crawls, and outdoor mixers. Find a professional group in your area and make networking fun this summer.

8. Have An Office BBQ

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Get your grill on! Talk to your boss about setting up an office BBQ. Ask everyone to contribute their favorite dish, side, or drink. Fire up the grill and relax! Hey, it's summer after all.

9. Wake Up Early

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Yes, yes, I know...waking up early is an incredibly painful and unbearable experience for some of us, but waking up even an hour earlier has its benefits—especially in the summer. Go for a morning run, putter around in the garden, or watch the sunrise with a loved one. Talk about starting the day off right!

10. Strategically Use Your Time Off

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Strategically use your vacation days around holidays. This way, you can make a potentially long weekend longer without having to use too much of your precious vacation time. Half days are also pretty awesome. It's amazing how much you can do with four extra hours! If you want an early weekend but don't want to burn up your vacation days too quickly, try taking a half day on a Friday instead of using a full day off.

11. Bike To Work

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If you're one of the lucky few who live within walking or biking distance of work, take advantage of it! Not only will you get plenty of fresh air, but you'll also save money on gas, which is always a plus!

There are plenty of easy ways to enjoy summer when you work a full-time job. So this summer, try out a few of these ideas and make the most of the sunshine and warm weather—while they're still around!

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