Source: Fortune
Summary
Gina Mastantuono, CFO of ServiceNow, spoke at the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit about the importance of rest for business leaders. She criticized the culture of overworking and said recovery is essential for performance. A University of Florida meta-analysis found that recovery improves sleep, mental health, and life satisfaction. Mastantuono noted that rest is not secondary to productivity. She also shared how personal recovery has improved her leadership and team performance.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story.
Mastantuono calls out overwork as a toxic example.
Recovery is framed as performance, not luxury.
Leadership benefits from rest, not just hustle.
Work-life balance is a performance enhancer.
Author: Evan Null
Leadership and the Myth of Constant Hustle
Business leaders often equate long hours with dedication. Gina Mastantuono, CFO of ServiceNow, argues that this mindset is harmful. She says that rest is not a luxury but a necessary part of performance. This idea is not new, but it’s still not widely accepted in corporate culture.
Research shows that recovery improves mental health and productivity. A meta-analysis of 200 studies found that employees who recover from work are more satisfied and perform better. Despite this, many leaders still promote the idea that working 14-hour days is a sign of commitment.
Mastantuono uses an athletic analogy to explain that muscles don’t grow during exercise—they grow during rest. Similarly, leaders and employees need downtime to function at their best. This is a simple concept, but it’s often ignored in favor of relentless work.
Her own experience shows that taking time to recover has made her a better leader. She says that when people focus on self-care, they become better bosses, colleagues, and parents. This is a shift from traditional corporate values that prioritize productivity over well-being.
The message is clear: rest is not a weakness. It’s a strategic choice. But for many leaders, the idea of slowing down is still seen as a failure to keep up.
The Athletic Analogy in Corporate Culture
Mastantuono uses sports metaphors to explain leadership. She compares recovery to muscle growth, a concept familiar to athletes. But this analogy is not widely adopted in business. Many leaders still believe that constant effort is the only path to success.
The idea that rest is essential for performance is not new. It’s been studied and proven. But translating that into corporate behavior is another matter. Companies often reward those who work the longest hours, even if it leads to burnout.
Leaders like Mastantuono are trying to change that narrative. They argue that true performance comes from balance, not exhaustion. But the shift is slow, and the pressure to keep going is still strong.
The athletic analogy is a useful way to explain this. Just as athletes need rest to perform, so do business leaders. But the corporate world has not fully embraced this idea. It’s still seen as a weakness rather than a strength.
Until companies start valuing rest as much as productivity, the culture of overwork will continue. This is a challenge for leaders who want to create healthier, more sustainable workplaces.
Recovery as a Strategic Advantage
Recovery is not just about personal well-being—it’s a strategic advantage. Companies that support employee rest and balance may see better performance and lower turnover. But this requires a shift in corporate values.
Mastantuono argues that recovery is part of performance, not a distraction. This is a simple idea, but it’s often ignored. Leaders who prioritize rest may find that their teams are more focused, productive, and engaged.
There is a growing body of research that supports this view. Studies show that employees who take time to recover are more satisfied and perform better. But the challenge is in implementing these ideas in a culture that still values long hours over well-being.
The message is clear: rest is not a luxury. It’s a necessity. Companies that recognize this may gain a competitive edge. But for now, the culture of overwork remains strong.
Leaders like Mastantuono are trying to change that. They are using both research and personal experience to make the case for rest. But the shift will take time, and the resistance is still strong.
The Role of Corporate Culture in Rest and Recovery
Corporate culture plays a major role in whether employees feel comfortable taking time to rest. Many companies still reward those who work the longest hours, even if it leads to burnout. This creates a cycle where employees feel pressured to work more, not less.
Mastantuono’s comments highlight a growing awareness of this issue. She argues that leaders should model healthy behavior, not just talk about it. This means setting boundaries and taking time for rest, not just expecting others to do so.
There is a gap between what research shows and what companies actually do. Studies consistently show that recovery improves performance, but many companies still prioritize productivity over well-being. This is a challenge for leaders who want to create a healthier work environment.
Leaders like Mastantuono are trying to bridge this gap. They are using both data and personal experience to make the case for rest. But the shift in corporate culture is slow, and the pressure to keep working is still strong.
The message is clear: rest is not a weakness. It’s a strategic choice. But for many companies, the culture of overwork is still the norm.
Leadership and the Need for Balance
True leadership is about balance, not just constant effort. Mastantuono argues that leaders who prioritize rest are better at making decisions, managing teams, and maintaining long-term performance. This is a shift from the traditional view that leadership is about working harder, not smarter.
Her comments reflect a growing trend in leadership development. More leaders are recognizing that burnout is not a sign of dedication—it’s a sign of poor management. Companies that support rest and recovery may see better results, but this requires a change in mindset.
The challenge is in translating this idea into practice. Many leaders still believe that working long hours is the only way to succeed. But research shows that this is not the case. Companies that support rest and balance may see better performance and lower turnover.
Mastantuono’s experience shows that taking time to recover can improve leadership skills. She says that rest allows her to be more focused, calm, and effective. This is a valuable insight for leaders who want to improve their performance without burning out.
The message is clear: rest is not a weakness. It’s a necessary part of leadership. But for many companies, the culture of overwork is still the norm. Until that changes, the shift toward balance will be slow.
