Why making smart weekend choices can boost your productivity next week

Partner Insights from

Many managers will turn a blind eye to employees doing a few extra hours over the weekend. However, disengaging from work is crucial. And that's not just for your own personal wellbeing, but to ensure you're heading into Monday and the week ahead feeling recharged and refreshed.

Insufficient downtime can result in ongoing stress and even result in illness. The Mayo Clinic outlines how unaddressed stress can have a far-reaching, detrimental impact on your health.

Working without adequate breaks coupled with persistent worry can also lead to burnout, which contributes to lower productivity besides being debilitating for the person experiencing it.

Repercussions and recuperation
A comprehensive analysis published by Forbes in 2023 highlights that 70% of people globally suffered burnout the year before. The analysis explains that burnout plays a significant role in the deterioration of mental health, and points out its link to depression.

Decreased overall efficiency is a by-product of this, as an unhealthy body and mind cannot function at their full capacity. Preventing burnout is essential to avoid the domino effect.

It's all pointing to a total weekend switch off. While relaxation means different things to different people, aim to do things you enjoy. That could include getting an extra hour or two of sleep, doing an exercise class or some meditation.

Spending time outdoors, spending time with family or friends, reading or watching a lighthearted film are all good destressors. The Irving Medical Centre at Columbia University recommends mindfulness meditation and a regular, slow-paced breathing practice in particular.

The evolution of mindfulness — from being considered a vague theory to being seen as a prerequisite for enhanced cognition — has been documented remarkably well. Today, psychotherapy recognises mindfulness as an important tool for burnout and stress recovery.

While some people are able to organize their schedules and balance their professional commitments with adequate time off, not everyone is equipped to create healthy routines. This is where professionals, trained in various therapeutic techniques, can really help.

Renewed vigor
If you've managed to have stress-free weekends and thriving mental health, then you'll likely benefit from this during your working week. However, if your manager and leadership are adamant about weekend work, then you could consider a brand new role.

The American Banker Job Board is a great place to start your search. It contains thousands of potentially fulfilling opportunities, like the three below.

Bank Manager, Comerica Bank, Santa Cruz
As Bank Manager at Comerica Bank, you'll be responsible for the overall leadership, management, and success of a retail banking center(s). You'll ensure banker readiness of all relationship bankers, conducting, and leading growth, contributing to a successful customer-centric experience, and proactively managing operational risk activities while striving for excellence. You will also provide transformational leadership in all areas and will require a Bachelor's degree or four years' of relevant experience as well as three years' of experience in management with staff development. See all the details.

Banking Center Manager, Origin Bank, Dallas
Origin Bank is seeking a Banking Center Manager to join the team at Oak Cliff Banking Center in Dallas, TX. Here. you will plan, direct and organize the sales and daily operational activities of the assigned banking center to include lending, new accounts, cashiering and customer needs by following established procedures. You'll also maintain communication between the banking center and regional management, be accountable for all activities and performance, and exemplify and encourage core values. A Bachelor's degree is preferred, along with a minimum of three years' banking, two years' management and three years 'sales experience. Get all the details now.

VP Private Banking, Virginia Beach, Dollar Bank, Virginia Beach
As Vice President of Lending at Dollar Bank, you will have the chance to create and manage a diverse portfolio of loans and deposit products delivering exceptional financial solutions tailored to each individual's unique needs. You will work closely with a team of financial experts to provide top-notch service and make a lasting impact on your clients' financial futures. This role requires a sharp eye for detail and a passion for delivering excellent client experiences and you'll need a Bachelor's degree in finance or related field, or commensurate experience, as well as five years' of lending experience in private banking, consumer lending, mortgage origination, business banking, or commercial lending with a demonstrated history of sourcing new business opportunities. See all the requirements.

 Find your next fulfilling job today on the American Banker Job Board

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, click here.
Partner insights by Amply
MORE FROM AMERICAN BANKER