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Why After-Hours Emails Are Messing With Your Life
You see it—a notification from your boss. You hesitate for a second, then you open it, skim the contents, and close it just as quickly. Next thing you know, you’re snapping at your kid to find the remote faster, and reaching for that wine bottle to fill your glass.
If getting work emails after hours drives you up the wall, you’re definitely not alone. A recent study from the University of Texas at Arlington’s College of Business found that employees often feel frustrated when they receive work-related emails or texts at home, and that frustration can seep into their personal lives. The study’s author, Jen Matthews, noted that participants reported feelings of anger, especially when the messages were negative or required a significant amount of their time.
Researchers followed 314 working adults over the course of a week and discovered two types of workers: segmentors, who prefer to keep their work and home lives separate, and integrators, who thrive on staying connected. Not surprisingly, the segmentors reported a greater negative impact on their personal lives from after-work emails. While integrators also experienced anger, it didn’t disrupt their daily lives as much.
What Can We Do About It?
The researchers recommend some training for employers on when it’s appropriate to send emails and what topics should be avoided. “The rise of smartphones and the culture of being ‘always on’ has made after-hours communication the norm,” Dr. Lisa Hartman, dean of the College of Business, shared. “But like anything else, it can be done the right way or the wrong way, so timing is key.”
And here’s a simple tip: Just don’t check your email after hours.
Further Reading
For more insights into balancing work and home life, check out this other blog post on home insemination kits, where you’ll find helpful information about self-insemination and fertility journeys. Also, if you’re curious about pregnancy, this resource from the Women’s Health Department is worth a look!
In summary, after-work emails can create unnecessary stress in our lives, impacting both our work and personal time. Understanding how to manage them can make a big difference.