Out of hours contact - how much is too much?

This is a tricky question because we’re in a digital era where the access lines have been blurred by the convenience of technology AND we’re still navigating an unsettling time where the only constant is change.

At the same time we know we have to take care of ourselves and nurture our wellbeing because being constantly ‘on’ is terrible for our health and wellbeing.

I’m often asked whether being available outside hours is expected, how much is reasonable and how to handle people who continually overstep.

Here’s what helped me in my career.

Consider your role

Typically the more senior the role, the more after hours access is expected or needed.

This is normally discussed in interview and it would be stated in a contract.

Outside hours contact should be ‘reasonable’.

Apply judgement

What’s going on in the organisation?

If the pressure is on ie if there’s a crisis, if people are travelling (particularly in this wild climate), if it’s a prickly time in a project - then I’d be inclined to monitor what’s going on.

I’ve had several roles where a PR/media crisis has erupted outside hours, the team have been focused on firefighting it and I hadn’t been actively called into it. I’d picked it up through scanning emails. Those were the moments for me to lean in, relieve pressure with tasks like scheduling so others could focus where they needed to, or be a safety net proof reading materials because tired eyeballs make big mistakes.

ways to minimise it

Always look forward - WELL beyond the week you’re in

Manage up - you drive their focus and attention where it needs to be to execute on time

Be an artful scheduler - people need space, notice and warning to be able to deliver on time

Create disciplines that clearly set expectations

Accept that sometimes this means you have to be the bad guy, you need to call out lack of planning and lean into firm but kind conversations about this.

Be clear

I’d always tell the person I supported that I’d scan my emails / phone a bit after hours but I wouldn’t respond to anything that wasn’t genuinely urgent and that could wait until the next working day.

I was an early starter, my teams were trained to be patient and have the comfort they’d always hear back from me ASAP the next working day.

My boundaries were very clear and I was consistent.

The more shameless the person, the deeper you’ll have to dig for courage to stand by this until they get it.

Handling over-steppers

Honesty is the best policy.

Share the hours you’re available and how to get you in a genuine emergency.

You may need to update your manager on the conversation if this is with the extended team.

Keep in mind: most people don’t love working outside hours either. They’ve got better things to do too. Be sensitive to what might be going on in their patch.

Self care

I’ve already said I would check in on emails and messages and this was because I was live to pressures of the executives I supported and the organisations I was in. I was also 90% of my career in very senior roles. BUT I would exercise judgement before acknowledging or replying.

Is it really important for RIGHT NOW?

What’s the impact of letting it wait?

Will replying perpetuate a working outside hours culture?

Replying to everything that comes in because you want to look like a team player isn’t always smart.

It creates fuzzy boundaries about when you’re available and sets an expectation that that will be hard to break.

I was always mindful of the need for others to have space as well. For this reason, I would never reply all unless everyone on the thread needed to see the reply. I would call this out.

I stopped checking my phone about 45 mins before bed time so I could decompress and disconnect from work allowing me to wake rested and ready to go the next day.

So the bottom line is this:

Sometimes we have to think beyond the immediate issue at hand, always use judgement and be really clear about what you need to thrive and be well if it’s impacting your wellbeing.

If you or your team need help wth wellbeing there’s a few ways we can work together.

Get in touch to enquire about full team career or wellbeing workshops and visit the EA Development page to see current courses and programs.

I love hearing from community, you’re always welcome in my inbox. Get me at hello@rachaelbonetti.com or connect with me on LinkedIn or Instagram