Why Stepping Away From Work Makes Me Better at It
During the week, I volunteer at Loaves & Fishes, a food pantry in Devens, Massachusetts. On paper, it might look like time away from work—but in reality, it makes me better at it. The hours I spend there give me perspective, energy, and clarity that I carry directly back into my professional life.
At Loaves & Fishes, I stock shelves, organize donations, and greet families picking up food for the week. The work is physical, immediate, and tangible. Deliverables are clear—food on shelves—and the priority never wavers: supporting neighbors in need. It’s a sharp contrast to my day job, and that contrast is exactly what makes the experience so restorative.
Research shows that time away from work is most replenishing when it engages different skills and identities than those we use professionally. Harvard Business Review has highlighted that “off-job experiences” that are psychologically distinct from work—such as volunteering, creative pursuits, or physical activities—are especially effective at reducing burnout and restoring energy. When we step into roles that don’t mirror our professional responsibilities, our brains get a true break, allowing stress to reset and creativity to rebound.
In that different context, I still practice patience, adaptability, and problem-solving—but without the usual pressures or expectations. The impact is immediate and visible, and that simplicity is grounding. When I return to work, I’m more focused, better able to prioritize, and more resilient in the face of complexity.
Volunteering isn’t just fulfilling; it strengthens how we show up at work. Studies consistently link volunteering and meaningful non-work activities to higher well-being, engagement, and retention. HBR and other workplace researchers note that employees who cultivate identities outside of work—especially through service, hobbies, or creative outlets—are better protected against burnout and more effective over the long term. Even short periods spent on restorative activities can increase confidence, motivation, and follow-through.
For me, fulfillment comes through volunteering at Loaves & Fishes. For others, it might be art, sports, music, or hands-on community work. What matters isn’t the activity itself, but the space to engage in something personally meaningful and separate from our professional roles.
The paradox is clear: when we truly step away from work, we don’t lose momentum—we return stronger.
Alison Eydenberg, Head of Coaching Services, serves as WJM's "Quality Control Officer", ensuring seamless delivery of coaching with integrity and accountability.
