Your Right To Switch Off

The always-on mentality is neither healthy nor productive

In our hyper-connected world, the line between work and personal life has become increasingly blurred, especially for Executive Assistants. We are the gatekeepers, the fixers, the problem-solvers, and the silent engines behind top-level executives. Our workdays don’t run 9 to 5; they stretch, shift, and morph around the needs of our bosses. Emails buzz at all hours, calendars clash across time zones, and the ping of a new message can feel like a dog whistle demanding immediate response. But where do we draw the line? More importantly, how do we draw it?

The Right to Switch Off isn’t just a concept—it’s a necessity. And for Executive Assistants, it’s a matter of survival.

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What Is the "Right to Switch Off"?

The "Right to Switch Off" refers to the ability—and the legal or cultural support—to disengage from work outside of official hours. It means not answering emails at midnight, not feeling obligated to reply to Slack messages during dinner, and reclaiming your personal time as truly your own.

In some European countries like France and Belgium, this right is protected by law. Employees are not expected to engage in work communications outside their contracted hours. While many countries and workplaces haven’t yet adopted formal policies, there is a growing awareness of the need to respect personal time, particularly in roles that demand high availability.

For Executive Assistants, the right to switch off is especially complex. Our role often revolves around being available - even when our executive is traveling. But always being available is not sustainable.

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The EA Paradox: Always On, Always Needed

Our work is unique. We are trusted confidants, project managers, travel coordinators, communication buffers, and sometimes even therapists. Many of us pride ourselves on being indispensable. We anticipate needs before they arise. We don’t wait to be asked—we proactively act.

But therein lies the danger. Because we are so good at what we do, we often become the default point of contact 24/7. That blurred line between professional excellence and personal sacrifice becomes dangerously thin.

We need to redefine excellence—not as being perpetually available, but as being highly effective during working hours and proactive about protecting our well-being.

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Why Switching Off Matters

Burnout is real. And for EAs, it can sneak up on us silently. We often focus so much on others—our executives, our teams, even their families—that we forget to monitor our own stress levels.

The cost of not switching off includes:

• Mental and emotional fatigue

• Strained personal relationships

• Decreased productivity over time

• Weakened immunity and increased health issues

• Resentment toward the job we once loved

Switching off is not selfish. It’s a strategic decision to preserve your energy, maintain your performance, and protect your mental health. You can’t help others when your own cup is empty.

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Practical Tips for Setting Boundaries