“We are increasingly turning to the West, where work and career are often a priority. If we add to this trend the diligence, responsibility and strong sense of duty of Lithuanians as a nation, we get a combination of workaholism,” says psychologist Marius Daugelavicius. To prevent workaholism from becoming the norm, it is important to maintain a healthy balance between work and home.
According to the psychologist, there are many reasons why people sit at work, but the psychologist claims that behind the employee’s dutifulness often lies fear of an uncertain future and finances. “The problem is that people usually fight fears about their financial situation in only one way – by working even more and longer,” says M. Daugelavicius.
Domas Dargis, CEO of real estate development company Eika, which has been holding the “Home Day” campaign for the third year, is convinced that a productive employee is not someone who sits at work from morning until late at night and even works on weekends.
“A good employee must maintain a balance between work and home, otherwise he will burn out, which will not be good for him or the company. Quality leisure time, time at home with the family is what gives us energy and allows us to “recharge” for a new working day. Therefore, on November 17 – “Home Day” – we encourage you not to stay at work, return home early and surprise your family. When was the last time you heard them say: “Oh, you’re home already?” – asks D. Dargis.
Several dozen Lithuanian companies have already joined the initiative. “When we started the campaign three years ago and invited people to come home from work early at least one day a year, we received a lot of support. So, what this campaign says is important and relevant to people. Therefore, this year we are continuing the work we started and inviting company managers and employees to pay attention to a healthy balance between work and spending quality time at home,” says D. Dargis.
The dark side of duty – overtime
During “Home Day”, employees are encouraged to spend as much time at home as possible, focusing on family members, relaxation, sports, meditation, or a book. All of this, according to the psychologist, is vitally important.
“Duty is commendable, but there is also a dark side to it – overtime. If a person is increasingly late at work, their family and free time will likely suffer, and in the long run – so will their productivity,” says M. Daugelavicius.
According to him, productivity is not about working from eight in the morning to six in the evening without leaving your desk. “Productivity comes from combining work and rest. Psychologically, a person can concentrate for an hour or an hour and a half, and then it is necessary to step away from the computer,” emphasizes M. Daugelavicius.
To prevent overtime from becoming a daily routine, the psychologist advises you to plan your work carefully and make sure to take regular breaks.
Companies are gradually emerging around the world that are trying to prevent employees from sitting at work, do not tolerate overtime, and pay much attention to active leisure activities for their employees. Lithuania is only taking its first steps in this regard.
M. Daugelavicius advises not to turn on the computer, use smartphones, or watch TV at home after work, as this only puts more strain on the brain. If you are doing mental work, it is necessary to rest actively or in a way that allows the brain to “disconnect” from stressful thinking.
More information:
Jorūnė Juodžbalytė
EIKA Marketing and Communications Manager
Mobile: +370 686 80126
Email: [email protected]