Study links psychological detachment from work to wellbeing

A recent study has highlighted the importance of psychological detachment from work in relation to the mental wellbeing of working-age adults. Conducted as part of the ‘Wellbeing of the Workforce’ (WoW) longitudinal cohort study, researchers aimed to understand how detaching from work during the first COVID-19 lockdown affected individuals’ health, wellbeing, and life satisfaction a year later.

The WoW study surveyed 337 employed or self-employed participants in the UK during the first national COVID-19 lockdown (April-June 2020) and followed up with 169 participants during the third lockdown (March-April 2021). The findings revealed a concerning trend: the risk of major depression increased from 20% at the first stage to 29% at the follow-up. Additionally, the percentage of participants reporting poor life satisfaction rose from 15.4% to 25.4% over the same period.

Conversely, moderate-to-severe anxiety rates remained stable, increasing only slightly from 26.1% to 30.2%. The study also noted that psychological detachment from work improved moderately, with low detachment rates dropping from 21.4% to 16.0% from the first to the second wave of data collection.

These findings suggest that the ability to mentally detach from work is a key factor influencing the mental health of adults, particularly under stressful circumstances such as a pandemic. The results indicate that fostering environments that encourage psychological detachment could support better mental health outcomes in the workforce.

The researchers utilized a variety of statistical methods, including t-tests and linear regression analyses, to assess the impact of work-related factors on mental wellbeing. This comprehensive approach allowed them to draw significant connections between workplace detachment and overall health indicators.

As the pandemic continues to affect work-life dynamics, organizations should consider strategies that promote psychological detachment, such as encouraging regular breaks and supporting flexible work arrangements. The study underscores the need to prioritize mental health in the workplace, especially during times of widespread uncertainty.