Employee routines often become predictable, leading to feelings of anxiety known as ‘Sunday night blues.’ Research from the University of Exeter highlights a drop in energy on Sundays, exacerbated by blurred work-life boundaries, especially post-lockdown. Experts suggest that anticipatory anxiety prompts work-related thoughts early in the week. To improve well-being, organizations are encouraged to foster open communication and limit weekend work-related correspondence, while individuals should engage in personal interests to alleviate stress.
The Cycle of Employee Routine
In the daily life of an employee, a predictable routine often takes shape. The rhythm of commuting, working, and resting can become monotonous. As the weekend draws to a close, many individuals start feeling a wave of anxiety, commonly referred to as the ‘Sunday night blues.’ Florian Ferreri, a professor of psychiatry, describes this phenomenon as a blend of profound boredom and mounting worries. In his insightful book, ‘Overcoming the Sunday Night Blues,’ published by Hachette in 2016, he elaborates on how this condition can present itself through various symptoms including tension, heightened anxiety, stomach discomfort, intense fatigue, and even heart palpitations.
Understanding the Causes of Sunday Night Blues
In March 2023, researchers from the University of Exeter conducted a study aimed at uncovering the underlying causes of this issue. They surveyed a diverse group of 650 individuals, revealing that most respondents reported a notable drop in energy levels on Sunday evenings, followed by a rebound on Monday mornings. This fluctuation, the researchers suggest, may play a significant role in the onset of the Sunday night blues.
Ilke Inceoglu, a professor specializing in organizational behavior and human resource management at the University of Exeter, offers further insight. He attributes the Sunday night blues to the diminishing boundaries between work and home life, a concern that has become increasingly relevant since the lockdown period. Inceoglu emphasizes that this erosion of boundaries can adversely affect overall well-being, highlighting a disconnect often overlooked by employers and subtly accepted by employees. The rise of remote work during the Covid-19 pandemic has intensified this blending of professional and personal realms.
Florian Ferreri also notes that many individuals, driven by anticipatory anxiety and a strong sense of responsibility, begin to mentally immerse themselves in work-related thoughts as early as Sunday night. This perspective is echoed by philosophy professor Gilles Vervisch, who argues in his essay ‘How to Escape the Boredom of Sunday Afternoon’ that Sundays force us to confront our own existence, presenting a reflective opportunity that many find challenging.
To promote employee well-being, the University of Exeter researchers collaborated with Channel 4 and Investors in People. Kirstin Furber, the human resources director at Channel 4, indicated that they intend to implement solutions based on the study’s findings. One suggestion includes encouraging managers to engage in conversations with their teams about what could enhance their productivity come Monday, whether it’s a status update on Monday mornings or a reflective session on Fridays. Additionally, it’s recommended that managers avoid sending emails over the weekend whenever possible.
Psychologist Sabrina Philippe, in an interview with Doctissimo, asserts that a heavier workload typically correlates with an increase in Sunday night depression, as it may lead to a feeling of time scarcity. She advocates for individuals to find ways to escape this cycle, suggesting that dedicating time to personal interests can help shift focus away from the impending workweek.