Where is the ‘workplace detox’?

Recently, l’ve seen a number of posts on LinkedIn discussing the merits of a ‘career detox’. This involves taking a step back to assess whether you’re in the right workplace for your personal values and/or on the right trajectory to achieve your career goals. And, if you’re not (on either count), taking immediate action to ‘course correct’.

This makes sense from an employee perspective. But shouldn’t every employer do the same?

Pausing every now and then to review whether they are nurturing a culture in which their people can thrive. Assessing whether leaders and managers have the skills and support they need. Considering whether current communication practices are delivering value. Examining whether the organisation is engaging employees effectively or what could be improved.

I am sure there are lots of other facets to this, beyond the areas I specialise in, but the key thing is to create space for such analysis. That’s tricky at the best of times, given daily priorities and pressures, but I do think creating that opportunity to review and reflect delivers long-term benefits for employer and employee alike.