02/10/2026
I give my team permission to rest and to show up fully for their families.
If someone is mentally overloaded, I’ll say:
“Take a break. Reset. We’ll reconnect in an hour.”
If they need to attend a school program, handle a family matter, or care for someone at home, there’s no penalty and no guilt attached. People don’t stop being parents, caregivers, or partners just because they’re professionals. This isn’t about being soft.
It’s about performance and sustainability.
The data supports this approach:
Burnout costs U.S. employers an estimated $190–$200 billion annually in healthcare and lost productivity (Harvard Business Review).
Employees in supportive work cultures are nearly twice as likely to be engaged and significantly more likely to stay (Gallup).
Even short rest periods improve focus, decision-making, and creativity the very capabilities leaders depend on (American Psychological Association, NIH).
Burnout doesn’t create clarity.
Anxiety doesn’t produce better outcomes.
Alignment does.
Scripture reinforces this principle:
“He gives rest to His beloved.” (Psalm 127:2)
From a leadership perspective, rest isn’t weakness and family isn’t a distraction. Both are essential to stewarding people, performance, and purpose well.
Leaders don’t burn out people into excellence.
They build environments where clarity, trust, and results can actually sustain.
Rest is leadership.
Family matters.
Shnesa Wiggins
