"Just One More Email": The Gateway to Burnout

“I’ll just send one more email.” How many times have you said that? Too many? If you’re not careful, it’ll be your sanity, not your job, that’s at risk.

Thanks to smartphones, remote work, and the pressure to respond right now, the idea of “the end of the workday” has become about as real as a unicorn on payroll. Work is a lot like glitter after a craft project—sparkly, persistent, and impossible to shake. Before long, your personal time starts to resemble a staff meeting. Dinner turns into a debrief. Bedtime becomes brainstorming. And weekends? Just another chance to “get caught up.”

Here’s the truth:

Boundaries Are Not Selfish; They’re Self-preservation. 

Ending your workday “on purpose” protects your mental health, your relationships, and believe it or not, your productivity. Studies show employees who truly disconnect perform better, make fewer mistakes, and actually enjoy their work more. Still, many of us are out here burning out, tethered to late-night emails and “quick calls” that are never quick.

It has to start at the top. When leaders pause, their teams feel permission to do the same.

Try These Three Boundary-boosting Moves:

• Create a daily shutdown ritual.

Don’t just close your tabs; close your laptop. Silence notifications. Physically step away. Self-care begins with being present, so whatever you do after work, be fully there.

• Clearly communicate your boundaries.

“I’m offline after six, but I’ll respond tomorrow” is a complete sentence, no apology needed. Boundaries only work when you uphold them, so stop making “exceptions” that turn into expectations.

• Encourage asynchronous work.

Not every ping needs an immediate response. Normalize prioritizing what’s urgent so you’re not treating everything like a fire drill.

Boundaries aren’t barriers; they’re bridges linking your work life to your personal life. Protect both sides of that bridge like your well-being depends on it… because it does.

Suggested Reading:

📗 For All Employees

When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life - Henry Cloud & John Townsend

📘 For Leaders

The Long‑Distance Leader: Revised Rules for Remarkable Remote & Hybrid Leadership - Kevin Eikenberry & Wayne Turmel