Due to instability in the job market, roles that reward workers for exceeding expectations along with increasing demands both at work and at home, more Americans are experiencing what specialists call “time scarcity.”
The concept has become more commonly used by psychologists to describe the ongoing mismatch between how much time an individual needs and what their job schedule permits. A recent study conducted by health company Wondr Health highlighted the prevalence of this problem, showing that 62% of U.S. employees fail to use all their available leave due to self-imposed workplace expectations, with approximately one-third of their yearly vacation days remaining unused.
Most people are tougher on themselves than anyone else, which contributes to time scarcity—a situation where individuals struggle to find sufficient time for a balanced professional and personal life,” stated Dr. Tim Church, Chief Medical Officer at Wondr Health. “This serves as an important reminder for both workers and companies. It’s high time to reconsider corporate culture.
David Ballard, the vice president of One Mind at Work, a firm dedicated to providing mental health resources for employees, stated: “Certain organizational environments actively dissuade people from taking breaks, celebrate excessive working hours, and view constant availability and pressure as signs of dedication.”
Within this kind of setting, workers might refrain from using their vacation days due to feelings of guilt or fear that they could be viewed negatively or face consequences if they do.
Ron Goetzel, lead researcher at Johns Hopkins University
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The School of Public Health and a specialist in workplace wellness, stated
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that the problem of limited time “affects individuals, companies, and the broader community.”
Even though everyone has the same 24-hour day, individuals often try to fit in as many tasks as they can—failing to pause and consider if these activities actually improve their well-being, joy, or feeling of achievement.
The effects on mental health are now evident. A 2020 study revealed that feeling short on time is associated with reduced psychological wellness, work efficiency, and overall physical health. Scientists discovered that “the perception of not having enough time had a greater adverse impact on happiness compared to being without a job.” Still, they observed that this problem has remained overlooked by both government officials and business leaders for a significant period.
Despite the possible harmful effects, not only on individuals but also on the companies themselves. As workplace wellness specialists and psychologists have stated
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Time scarcity for employees may result in reduced efficiency, greater instances of missing work or coming to work while not operating at full capacity, as well as heightened staff departure.
Workers who do not utilize their vacation days are vulnerable to experiencing burnout, which negatively impacts both the individual and the company,” stated Dr. Chloe Carmichael, a licensed clinical psychologist recognized for her expertise in managing anxiety and stress. “These individuals may also develop feelings of resentment toward their employer and experience decreased productivity.
Church stated, “It’s expensive, straightforward. When workers become exhausted or anxious, efficiency and innovation decrease. That’s wasted opportunity.”
This reflects the broader challenges of work-related stress, which various research findings connect with employees seeking new positions.
“Burnout is a complicated issue with many contributing factors, yet one thing is clear: prolonged exposure to job-related stress, combined with an inability to recover, ultimately causes mental and emotional fatigue, disengagement, and reduced efficiency and performance,” said wellness expert Dr. Susan Biali Haas.
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.
Yasemin Besen-Cassino, a professor of sociology at Montclair State University, stated that the present conditions within the U.S. workforce have contributed to this concerning situation, which she refers to as “a culture of overworking,” where widespread job cuts and greater financial instability are causing concern among workers. Furthermore, she mentioned
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With the advent of new technologies enabling employees to remain constantly available, many people feel obligated to participate in work-related activities such as email exchanges or Zoom meetings even on their days off.
She mentioned that numerous employees opt to take their paid leave for childcare due to limited access to cost-effective options. “As a result, many workers aren’t taking time to relax during these days, but instead fulfilling caregiver responsibilities,” she said.
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Nevertheless, specialists highlighted possible solutions—some simple, others more challenging—that might reduce work-related stress, benefiting both workers and companies.
Carmichael proposed that companies explore required days off, aiming to “eliminate the risk of self-imposed stress.” Author and stress specialist Rebecca Heiss noted that going on vacation isn’t a complete solution to job-induced tension, since even after a yoga getaway or a week out of the office, “employees eventually come back to work where all their emails and tasks await them, having grown worse over time.”
Some highlighted the importance of setting aside designated “mental health days,” along with companies’ readiness to fund employee wellness initiatives and encourage transparent dialogue with their staff. Others supported a broader societal change that must occur.
Creating an environment where taking time off is seen as normal and supported is crucial, allowing employees to completely refresh,” Besen-Cassino stated. “Changing the work culture can help employees take breaks and ultimately lead to better health and higher productivity over time.
Although employers may be hesitant, Church stated that it is in their best interest to take into account the pressure placed on their employees.
Perhaps most crucially, companies run the risk of losing their top talent,” he stated. “When the workplace environment does not promote relaxation and health, staff tend to seek out organizations that prioritize their overall welfare.
Dealing with burnout and lack of time goes beyond being a more compassionate employer; it’s good for business.
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