When Was the Last Time You Truly Rested? Why Rest Is the Hidden Growth Strategy for Leaders
When was the last time you truly rested - not just slept, but let your mind wander, recharge, and reset?
Here’s what science tells us: rest isn’t a luxury - it’s a powerful growth strategy.
The Science Behind Rest and Leadership
Too many leaders wear exhaustion as a badge of honor. But research consistently shows that burnout undermines both decision-making and team culture.
The Harvard Business Review reports that 42% of leaders average six hours of sleep or less. The result? Reduced creativity, poor judgment, and even impaired ethical behavior. And it doesn’t just affect the leader - team engagement and trust suffer too.
At the University of Illinois, researchers found that employees who take regular, short breaks are 45% more likely to generate innovative solutions than those who grind without interruption.
The takeaway is clear: rest fuels clarity, judgment, and innovation.
Why Rest Matters for Leaders
Putting it plainly: when leaders rest, they make better decisions.
Rest gives your brain space to process complexity, notice patterns, and spark new ideas. When you model rest, you don’t just recharge yourself - you create a culture where creativity and trust can flourish.
At Salt & Light Advisors, we call this Humble Efficiency. It means knowing when to step back so you can lead forward - with clarity, energy, and thoughtful presence.
Leadership Challenge: One Hour of True Rest
Here’s your challenge this week:
Block out just one hour of true rest. No email, no expectations, no screen. Let your mind idle.
Pay attention to what happens - new clarity, creative solutions, or fresh direction often emerge when we least expect them.
HR in a Box: Rest-Friendly Policies for Your Team
Rest isn’t just a personal practice - it’s a leadership value. But putting it into practice across your organization can feel overwhelming.
That’s where our HR in a Box toolkit comes in. Inside, you’ll find:
Ready-to-use HR templates
Wellness resources
Policies designed to normalize healthy rest and sustainable performance
It’s how you press the HR Easy Button while building a culture where people thrive—not just survive.
Final Thought
Leaders who rest aren’t checked out - they’re checked in. Their teams notice. Their decisions improve. And their culture flourishes.
So, when was the last time you truly rested? Maybe this week is the right time to start.
Kerri M. Roberts, CEO, Salt & Light Advisors
