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Why IT Pros Must Have Lives Outside of Work

September 29, 2023
Manish Karani

National unemployment rates among IT workers remains shockingly low, hovering around the 4-percent mark during early 2019. As businesses struggle to find the candidates they need for vacant positions, many are putting more pressure on their current workforce to ensure required tasks are getting accomplished. This leads many tech pros to dedicate more hours to work, sacrificing their personal lives in the process.

But failing to lead a fulfilling life outside of the office can have detrimental effects, leading to decreased productivity as morale begins to suffer. That makes this model unsustainable over the long-term. To help you see why, here are some of the reasons IT pros must have lives outside of work.

Preventing Burnout

When your workers spend extra hours at the office and don’t completely disconnect from their duties during their off time, burnout is almost a guarantee. The constant feeling of having to be 100 percent available weighs them down and can build resentment throughout your team.

Encouraging your staff to engage in personal interests when away from their desks can help relieve some of this pressure, giving them an outlet for frustrations and supporting their


need to relax and recharge. While they might not be able to completely put work down depending on their assigned duties, even regularly scheduled reprieves can make a big difference in combating burnout.

Increasing Motivation

Sometimes, we all need to know there is some form of light at the end of the tunnel. Having a personal activity to look forward to after hours can help them push through the more challenging times as it functions as a reward for their hard work. This gives them a powerful incentive, giving them a reason to focus on essential tasks. Ultimately, knowing there is something enjoyable just around the corner can make a world of difference when it comes to keeping motivation high.

Adding Experiences

IT is an ever-evolving field, and most professionals have to dedicate serious time to keep up with the latest news and trends. However, when you feel bogged down by the day-to-day, exploring new technologies and learning additional skills will take a backseat in their lives.

By ensuring your workforce is given the time to pursue their interests during their off time, you may find them more inclined to keep up with changes in the industry. This can lead them to discover new technologies that can help increase productivity or find solutions they may otherwise have missed.

Even completely personal pursuits can enhance creativity, as their unconscious mind may have the chance to solve problems when their conscious mind isn’t actively concerned about the issues. Sometimes, brilliant revelations occur thanks to unexpected catalysts, making these other experiences valuable in numerous ways.

Looking to Hire Talented IT Professionals?

If you want to alleviate some of the pressure from your IT team, the professionals at ASK can help you find suitable candidates for vacant positions. Contact us to get the recruitment process started today and see how even just one more skilled worker can make things better for everyone in the office.

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