Ever so often, it is imperative that whatever one is doing there has to be a period to rest from one’s tasks or labors. I am about to do just that, so there will not be my regular fortnightly article in Carib Direct until mid-December.
Literally resting periodically is a way of recharging the batteries, and it is something we should all aim to do. The human race is far better than the rat race, which should be avoided since it can lead to burnout and leave one mentally and physically drained. No one is superhuman, although some like to think they are!
That is why vacations or holidays are meant to help us relax and unwind, as they are so important for the mind, body, and soul. Even if a holiday is out of the question, the mere fact one is able to come off the revolving wheel that one associates with a pet hamster is to be encouraged and considered. I have known of people who refuse to take the annual leave, which is their entitlement, and that is wrong. Some also have managers or supervisors who discourage their staff from taking annual leave, making them feel guilty if they request it or refuse to approve it, claiming productivity within the business is the overarching priority.
Making sure to book one’s leave and then take it is a fundamental human right which no one should be denied. The term often quoted while I was a manager in the working environment was that leave could only be approved considering “the exigencies of the organization.” I recall having to fight tooth and nail on several occasions as an equity, diversity, and inclusion manager on behalf of employees who were constantly thrown that strapline in an effort to deny their request for annual leave.
It was often a struggle, depending on who the manager was, with their inflexible stance leading to some employees taking periods of sick leave instead when legitimate annual leave requests were refused. I have no idea whether that particular human resources department has moved forward, seen sense, and changed their rather draconian approach in supporting management in this regard instead of the workers. I can only hope so.
Periods of rest are vital to the human body, and in such situations, it is up to the employer to insist that the annual leave or coffee or tea breaks are adhered to as the well-known proverbial saying “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” or, for that matter, “Jill a dull girl.” If one is on a long shift with no breaks, that is when exhaustion, tiredness, fatigue, and poor concentration set in, which can lead to a complete lack of focus with dire consequences.
We need to remember that we are human beings, not robots or machines. The importance of being a trade union member, paying one’s dues, subscriptions, and fees, cannot be overstated for situations like the aforementioned. On the other hand, I have worked with managers who show a high level of empathy, especially if they notice that a member of staff seems tired or is genuinely unwell and approves some time-out for them to recover their vigor and vitality.
Switching off, chilling out, downtime, downing tools, quality time, or me-time are apt terms that mean exactly what we should all aim to do as and when necessary. Sometimes the body itself lets us know that we need to slow down, take a break, or rest. So, we must make concerted efforts to get the right work-life balance.
At the primary, secondary, and tertiary education levels, breaks throughout the day are built into the timetable for a specific reason, and that should follow through in the work environment or even during retirement. I often hear retired persons say that they are busier since finishing work, and although finding things to do, such as hobbies or leisure pursuits, helps to while away boredom, one should always be mindful of the need for relaxation in the truest sense of the word.
Another form of rest is sleep, and most of us do not get enough of that precious and all-important commodity. The importance of sleep cannot be overstated, as it is good for our mental and physical health, including brain function, growth and development in children, injury recovery, performance, and decision-making.
So, I am leading by example, sometimes referred to as pro-social modeling, and taking my well-deserved break or rest.
