Kelly Services Ireland is now proudly part of Gi Group, one of the world’s largest and most forward-thinking HR and recruitment specialists.

How To Switch Off From Work

The average person works 40 hours a week. Sadly, in today’s world of work overload and non-stop notifications, work life often takes over our personal lives. Many of us catch ourselves thinking about work even during off hours. Taking work tensions back home can be damaging for your relationships, your health and your well-being.

In this article we explain how to stop intrusive thoughts about work flooding your mind.


Work Life Balance


The ideal ‘balance’ can vary at different stages of the life cycle and it’s primarily a question of individual choice. People experience WLB in a different manner, with some needing more ‘me time’ to achieve it.


Why do we work long hours?


Some of us have no choice but to work long hours to make ends meet, while others stay late in the office due to heavy workload. There are also people who truly love what they do and it’s their free will to clock out late.

Working overtime may also depend on cultural disparities. In some countries, taking on extra hours demonstrates commitment to work and employer. This is especially the case in many Asian countries, where individuals who do overtime are perceived as committed to their job. If you negotiate for shorter hours with an Asian employer, it may be the sign of weakness for them. Therefore, unless asked, employees prefer not to talk about it during the interview.

The opposite seems to be true in Nordic countries. Negotiating working hours appears to be a common thing and employers are ready to compromise between salary and office hours. No wonder Nordic countries are amongst world’s happiest countries.


How to switch on your off-work mode?


Before you leave


  1. Start only tasks that you can complete. There is a psychological term called
  2. , according to which, people remember unaccomplished or interrupted tasks better than the accomplished ones. Therefore, you are more likely to think about tasks that you haven’t completed.
  3. Prepare a to-do list for the next day. It will go a long way towards organising your thoughts. By thinking through your to-do list, you will also identify potential issues and come up with a solution. Finally, you will rest assured that everything is under control.
  4. Tidy up your desk. Tidying up your bedroom has been proved to be

          . We believe that a tidy desk at your office will not only help you truly disconnect, but also keep all your files and work-related things under control.

After work


  1. Ditch your smartphone. The line between work and leisure time has become so blurred that we often don’t even realise how frequently we check our work messages. We go through our mailboxes just like we scroll through our news feed, which may seem to be a good thing but will not help you disconnect. Switch off notifications and get into habit of answering emails only during your working hours.
  2. Get some exercise. A good workout may do wonders – you will burn off work stress and boost your endorphins. If that wasn’t exciting enough, you will additionally stretch your bones and let your body rest from a daily desk posture. Forget about the most common end of day excuse and hit the gym! You will feel better after letting off some steam.
  3. Get a hobby. A meaningful hobby will take your mind off work. Instead of going to bed to watch Netflix, try doing something different like reading a book, knitting, or anything you are passionate about.
  4. Create a relaxing ritual. It can be something as simple as getting changed, taking a shower or cooking dinner. Such ritual activities send a signal to your brain that it’s time to switch off work mode.


Being able to switch off from work and take the most out of your free time is closely related to what you do once you clock out. A good WLB improves employees’ life and career satisfaction so take your off hours seriously and have some quality time!

By Ben Forde 19 Apr, 2024
As a longstanding temporary and permanent staffing supplier to leading businesses across Cork and Galway Kelly Services Ireland are pleased to confirm their acquisition by Gi Group Holding. Kelly, under the new name of Gi Group Ireland, will be joining Marks Sattin & Matthew Fitzpatrick as another Gi Group Holding Recruitment and HR solutions offering in Ireland. The recent acquisition comes with great opportunity for the Irish market, introducing Gi Group and their breadth of expertise to the region while maintaining the invaluable local capabilities delivered by Kelly Ireland. This marriage of well-established local knowledge, relationships and expertise from Kelly with the resources granted by Gi Group’s considerable size makes for a formidable new staffing provider in Ireland. The existing Kelly team will be on hand to support current clients and workers continuing ‘business as usual’ to offer a seamless transition to all parties involved. In support of this transition, some common queries regarding the acquisition have been address below. Is it BAU for us as a Kelly Client? Yes absolutely, our dedicated teams in Cork and Galway will remain the same, delivering to client requirements as they have been for over 40 years. What are the main changes? Initially the change of name. We will continue to provide temporary and permanent staffing services to the Life Sciences, Engineering, IT and Renewable Energy Industries. In time we may add additional services in line with Gi Group service offerings across Europe, this will not impact any existing relationships. What do we put on invoices going forward?  We are currently still operating as Kelly Staffing Ireland Ltd. All invoices must be addressed as such to avoid any delays in payments. Once the transition to operating as Gi Group Ireland is complete further communications will be sent out.
06 Feb, 2024
In the ever-evolving landscape of the professional world, many of us find ourselves at crossroads, contemplating a change in career or seeking new opportunities to ignite our passion.
By Shazamme System User 07 Sep, 2023
Summer is over. September is here. For you lovers of the summer this can often bring feelings of the blues, but September can represent a time for a fresh start. This time of the year can offer many opportunities for job hunters to find a new job that aligns with their skills, goals, and experience. Check out our top tips on how you can land your dream job this time around (and why you should work with Kelly). 1. Get Clear On Your Goals First and foremost, you must have a clear objective of what you want for your career. Searching for a new job can bring feelings of excitement and motivation but it can also be overwhelming for applicants. Having an idea of what industries, you would like to work in, the timeline in which you would like to find a job, and the companies you’re interested in will reduce those negative feelings but will also give you a sense of direction and focus. 2. Update Your CV The next thing you should look at is improving and updating your CV. Have you demonstrated your most valuable skills? Have you highlighted your most important accomplishments and achievements? Have you included your personal websites, business profiles, and your LinkedIn profile? These are some of the many things to consider when updating your CV. Job applicants should also keep in mind that you should adjust your CV for every job you apply for. You should customize your CV so that it reflects the job you’re applying for. 3. Work with a Recruiter Are you aware of the benefits of working with a recruiter? Recruiters are experts in the hiring industry. They can help save you a significant amount of time during your job search as they know exactly what jobs are available in the market and they can match you with a role that aligns with your experience. Recruitment consultants can help you improve your CV and cover letter as well as make sure you are prepared for interviews. If you would like to read more about the benefits of working with a recruiter, click here . September is an excellent time of the year to find that new opportunity that you have been longing for. By following these tips, you should be on the right course to navigate the job market and find a role that suits you. It’s important to stay positive during your job search as it can sometimes be a lengthy process. But just remember, the right opportunity can take time. If you would like assistance during your job search, please do not hesitate to reach out and email us at info@kellyservices.ie . Or click here to search our latest vacancies and apply today!
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