Talent

Talent Advisory Board: Taking a Vacation in the Always-Connected Manufacturing World (Part 3 of 3)

July 31, 2023

Manufacturing guru and personnel expert Billy Ray Taylor shares how and why disconnecting is key.

The IndustryWeek Talent Advisory Board offers monthly advice on how its members got to where they are in the manufacturing world. They offered so much great advice for June that we're breaking it into two parts, with about half of the responses running Thursday, July 27, 2023, and about half running Friday, July 28, 2023. On Monday, July 31, we'll run a thorough response to the topic from Billy Ray Taylor. If you have a question for the group, please send it to [email protected]. This month's question was:

Let’s talk vacation: How do you handle the demands of the modern, always-connected workplace when you’re supposed to be resting and relaxing? And, what benefits do you get from taking time off from working?

Billy Ray Taylor, Founder and CEO, LinkedXL

In the relentless sea of the modern, always-connected workplace, finding solace in moments of rest and relaxation feels like trying to weather a storm on a flimsy boat. The demands of this fast-paced world threaten to engulf us, leaving us gasping for breath as we struggle to balance our professional duties and our need for peace. But amidst the chaotic waves, there is hope for a calmer horizon.

Imagine a tranquil weekend meant for unwinding and recharging, but the ever-persistent pings from our smartphones echo like shrill alarms, reminding us of endless emails and messages. The boundaries between work and leisure blur, leaving us marooned on an isolated island, disconnected from true relaxation.

To gain insights on this topic, I sought perspectives from credible leaders and executives in Fortune 500 companies, including Georgia Pacific, Goodyear, PPG and Teijin Automotive. Their perspectives confirmed that handling the demands of an always-connected workplace while nurturing our emotional well-being can feel like taming a tempest. Guilt gnaws at our souls when we dare to unplug, fearing we might miss crucial moments or fall behind our peers. The pressure to be available 24/7 weighs us down, dragging us towards burnout.

However, amid the chaos, a path to sanctuary awaits. Accepting that we are human, not machines, is key. Embracing the vulnerability of our emotions, we must dare to say "no" to incessant demands. Setting firm boundaries becomes our life raft in this stormy sea.

Navigating these treacherous waters means realizing our value extends beyond productivity. By carving out time for ourselves, we affirm our right to inner peace and emotional well-being.

Detaching from the digital grasp unlocks the true potential of relaxation. Being fully present allows our minds to be an oasis of clarity and inspiration. Our emotional tides ebb and flow, and we find serenity in recharging our spirits.

To strike that delicate balance between work and personal life, consider these crucial aspects:

Define Your Priorities

Understand and prioritize what truly matters to you. Assess your personal goals, family commitments and career aspirations. Recognize that balance means allocating time and energy according to your unique priorities, not necessarily dividing it equally.

Set Boundaries

In an ever-connected world, establish boundaries between work and personal time. Unplug from work-related emails during your designated personal hours and avoid engaging in personal matters at work.

Prioritize Self-Care

Self-care is paramount. Embrace regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and time for hobbies and relaxation. Nurture your physical and mental health to boost productivity and resilience.

Invest in Relationships

Amidst life’s hustle, nurture relationships with loved ones. Make time for meaningful interactions, creating lasting memories. Strong support systems offer emotional stability in challenging times.

Though challenging, balancing work and rest is worth it. By anchoring in balance, we reclaim the essence of true rest and relaxation, sailing towards a horizon where the modern workplace and our emotional needs coexist harmoniously.

About the Author

Billy Taylor | CEO, LinkedXL

Billy Taylor is an American business executive, dynamic speaker and leadership guru. He is the founder and president of LinkedXL (Excellence), a business operating systems architecting firm. He is also an independent board member of MD Building Products.

Taylor spent 30 years with The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (GT), serving as director of North America Manufacturing and chief diversity and inclusion officer. During his tenure at Goodyear, he led World Class Operations for the Commercial and Off-Highway business. As the global head of diversity and inclusion for Goodyear, Taylor led diversity and inclusion strategies for 64,000 employees across the 22 countries where Goodyear operates.

Taylor has been called upon by universities, international conferences, global publications and the U.S. Army to demonstrate how to drive and sustain effective results through embracing the culture and enabling employee ownership. He is a disciple of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

As a trusted global industry leader, Taylor is a member of the executive advisory board for the Shingo Institute, Utah State University Jon M. Huntsman School of Business. He is also an executive board member and the global head of diversity and inclusion for the Association of Manufacturing Excellence.