As employers, we naturally want to encourage and reward productivity. Every successful organisation depends on people who are engaged, motivated, and willing to give their best. Sometimes, however, that focus on productivity can unintentionally create a culture where people feel they need to be “on” all the time, as employees feel pressure to constantly show how much they are doing, take on more responsibilities, and stay connected to work long after the day has ended.

At first, this can look like commitment and dedication. But when rest and recovery are pushed aside, the result can lead to burnout, which will inevitably cause emotional and mental exhaustion that ultimately harms both employees and organisations.

The reality is that burnout is never a badge of honour. People do their best work when they have the space to rest, recharge, and maintain fulfilling lives outside of work.

When Mark founded his company, long hours were simply part of his entrepreneurial journey. “In those early start-up days, weekends and late nights were normal,” he says. Years later, although the business was stable and it no longer required that same relentless pace, Mark noticed many employees were still behaving as though it did.

“I’d wake up to emails sent late at night or find team members messaging me on weekends about work. I appreciated their dedication, but I started wondering whether I’d created a culture where people felt they always had to be available.”

After speaking with another business owner, Mark was introduced to Richmond Foundation’s Healthy Minds Recharge programme. Through the experience, both he and his team had the opportunity to reflect on their wellbeing, recognise signs of burnout, and explore healthier ways of working.

“The programme was great, and it really made me realise that leading by example matters,” he explains. “Now when my team takes a holiday, they do it without a sense of guilt or as if they need to make up for that lost time. We know they’ll come back more focused and energised. And I think the team appreciates knowing their wellbeing genuinely matters to us,” he says.

Creating a healthier workplace doesn’t require drastic changes. Often, small shifts in culture and everyday habits can make a big difference to how your people perform.

1. Lead by example

Employees take their cues from leadership. If managers never switch off, answer emails late at night, or avoid taking leave, teams often feel they need to do the same. Demonstrate healthy boundaries yourself and give employees permission to do likewise.

2. Encourage proper breaks

A lunch break isn’t a luxury. Encourage employees to step away from their desks (and their phones!), take short breaks throughout the day, and use their annual leave entitlement. Recovery during the workday can be just as important as recovery outside it.

3. Focus on outcomes, not hours

Being busy doesn’t always mean being productive. Reward quality work, collaboration, and results rather than long hours or constant availability.

4. Respect time outside work

Avoid creating an expectation that employees should always be reachable. Limiting after-hours emails and messages helps people properly disconnect and recharge.

5. Create opportunities to reset

Dedicated wellbeing initiatives, reflective workshops, and programmes such as Richmond Foundation’s Healthy Minds Recharge can give employees practical tools to reconnect with their wellbeing and return to work feeling refreshed and energised.

Sometimes all it takes is the right opportunity to pause and reset. Healthy Minds Recharge gives employees exactly that through a structured, evidence-informed experience designed to help them step back from daily pressures, reflect on their wellbeing, and develop practical tools they can continue using long after the programme ends.

Whether you’re looking to proactively support your team, address signs of stress and fatigue, or simply create a healthier workplace culture, Healthy Minds Recharge can be tailored to the specific needs of your organisation and people.

Get in touch with Richmond Foundation to learn more about Healthy Minds Recharge and discover how our programmes can lead to better performance and lasting results for your team.