For a long time, we learned to separate what we feel from what we do at work. We considered that, once inside the office, we stopped being people with problems, and became professionals 100% focused on tasks, results and objectives. But, over time, and especially with the changes of recent years, it became clear that this separation is an illusion. What we experience outside work comes with us into it, and vice versa.

Today, with hybrid work becoming increasingly common, this mix between personal and professional life is more present than ever. We have gained flexibility, autonomy and more time, both at work and at home. For many people, this has made it easier to balance everyday life. But, along with all these benefits, a new challenge has emerged: learning how to set boundaries. After all, when do you switch off, when the computer is right there in the living room and the notifications never stop? How many times have you answered an email just because “it’s quick”, even outside working hours? Or found yourself thinking about something work-related while trying to relax?

The truth is that, despite its advantages, hybrid work has brought with it a new difficulty: the line that separates personal life from professional life. When the office is at home, where does one moment end and the other begin? For many people, this flexibility ended up creating a feeling that they needed to be constantly available. And, in the long run, that takes its toll.
This burden shows itself in many ways: anxiety, tiredness and difficulty switching off. It is not uncommon to see people carrying out tasks, answering messages and taking part in meetings without energy or motivation, doing so simply because they feel that “they have to”. This is called presenteeism: being there, but not really being there. It is often harder to notice when this is happening when someone is working from home. In the office, we notice if someone is quieter or more tired. In remote work, a camera being switched off may simply be a choice, but it can also be a sign of tiredness or even disengagement.

At the end of the day, the question is: does being online mean being available? And does being available all the time mean being more productive? The answer is no. Rest is essential for our well-being and also for being able to remain productive. Small habits, such as setting a time to finish work, turning off notifications, taking breaks and knowing how to separate work from personal life, can make all the difference. Sometimes, all it takes is a short walk at the end of the day to leave work behind and start enjoying the rest of our day.

And it is not always a matter of lack of motivation. Often, we are simply tired. We continue to show up, respond and do what needs to be done, but everything seems to require more effort. We take longer, get distracted more easily and no longer have the same energy or willingness. On the other hand, a healthy environment, where there is support, openness to talking about difficulties and respect for people’s boundaries, can make all the difference. Well-being initiatives are important, but they become even more valuable when they are part of a culture that encourages balance and respects each person’s time. Setting clear expectations, promoting trust and valuing the work that is done, rather than constant online presence, contributes to a healthier and more sustainable way of working. Balance lies in allowing each person to find their own rhythm, with autonomy, but also with a sense of belonging and support. Not everyone needs the same thing: some people prefer going to the office, others feel better at home, some need contact and collaboration, others less so. The most important thing is to adapt, listen and create an environment where we all feel that we are part of something and that our contribution is valued.

Creating a healthy work environment is a shared responsibility. Companies have an important role to play in promoting our well-being. But it is also important that each of us feels comfortable speaking up when something is not right, and asking for help. Communicating our boundaries. When there is openness on both sides, it becomes easier to find solutions and build an environment where people feel heard, respected and supported.

Perhaps the question is not only about understanding how we can be more productive as professionals, but also recognising what we need in order to work better. When we feel well and motivated, it becomes much easier to maintain creativity, engagement and the willingness to do a good job and deliver good results. Ultimately, taking care of people also means taking care of the way we work and the results we build together. And all of this is about finding a balance between what we need and what organisations need from us. When we feel well, motivated and valued, this naturally reflects in the way we work and contribute to the organisation’s growth. In the end, we all benefit from this balance.

In the end, we are not professionals for eight hours and people for the other sixteen. We are always the same person. Our personal and professional lives are more connected than we often realise. What we experience outside work can influence the way we work, and what happens during the working day can also follow us home. Because when a person feels well, they think better. Those who think better make better decisions. Those who make better decisions work better. Ultimately, an organisation is not made up only of results, but also of the people who contribute to achieving them.

And that is where mental health and professional health stop being on opposite sides, because a healthy mind makes us healthier professionals.

Because the future of work only makes sense if we grow together!

By Mafalda Malvas