Frequently, our professional commitments tend to overshadow all other aspects of our existence. The drive to excel in our careers can lead us to neglect our personal welfare. However, establishing a seamless synergy between work and personal life is of paramount importance. This balance is not only essential for enhancing our physical, emotional, and psychological health but also holds significant implications for our professional trajectory.
What is work-life balance, and why is it important?
Concisely put, work-life balance denotes the equilibrium achieved when an individual allocates equal significance to both their professional responsibilities and personal life demands. Several common factors contribute to an inadequate work-life balance, including escalated work duties, extended work hours, increased household obligations, and the presence of children.
According to Chris Chancey, a career authority and the CEO of Amplio Recruiting, a favorable work-life balance yields a range of positive outcomes. These encompass reduced stress levels, a decreased likelihood of burnout, and an augmented sense of well-being. These benefits extend not only to employees but also to employers.
Chancey asserts, “Employers dedicated to fostering environments that facilitate work-life balance among their workforce can realize cost savings, encounter fewer instances of absenteeism, and cultivate a more dedicated and productive team.” Offering options such as telecommuting or flexible work schedules can be instrumental in enhancing employees’ work-life equilibrium.
When devising a personalized schedule, it’s crucial to contemplate the optimal approach for harmonizing work and personal life. Chancey emphasizes that work-life balance is more about affording oneself the flexibility to manage professional tasks while reserving ample time and energy for personal pursuits, rather than rigidly dividing hours between the two spheres. This entails the understanding that certain days might entail extended work hours to enable the enjoyment of leisure activities later in the week.
Outlined below are eight strategies to attain an improved work-life balance, accompanied by insights on how to foster a supportive managerial approach.
1. Accept that there is no ‘perfect’ work-life balance.
The concept of “work-life balance” often conjures up an image of an exceptionally productive workday followed by an early departure to enjoy quality time with friends and family. While this might appear as an ideal scenario, it’s important to recognize that it’s not always feasible.
Rather than pursuing an unattainable perfect schedule, the emphasis should be on cultivating a practical one. On some days, work might demand more attention, while on others, there could be a surplus of time and energy for personal hobbies or social interactions. True balance is a gradual achievement, not a daily endeavor.
Heather Monahan, the founder of the career mentoring group #BossinHeels, emphasizes the significance of maintaining flexibility and consistently evaluating one’s position in relation to goals and priorities. She asserts, “Occasions may arise when your children require your attention, and on other occasions, work-related travel may be necessary. Remaining receptive to shifting circumstances and continually assessing your needs is pivotal in attaining a state of balance.”
2. Find a job that you love.
While work is a conventional societal expectation, it shouldn’t serve as a confining constraint on your life. If you harbor a deep dislike for your chosen vocation, it’s inevitable that happiness will remain elusive. The equation is straightforward: if you despise your work, genuine contentment will prove elusive. It’s not mandatory to find every aspect of your job enjoyable, but it should possess an element of excitement that negates the dread of each morning’s awakening.
Heather Monahan advocates for discovering a profession that ignites such fervor that you would willingly engage in it without monetary compensation. “If your job is sapping your energy and impeding your ability to enjoy activities outside of work, there’s a problem,” Monahan cautions. “You might be ensnared in a toxic work environment, dealing with a problematic individual, or engaged in a role that truly doesn’t align with your passions. In such a scenario, it’s a clear sign that it’s time to seek out a new job.”
3. Prioritize your health.
Your utmost concern should revolve around your holistic well-being encompassing physical, emotional, and mental health. If you grapple with anxiety or depression and sense that therapy could prove beneficial, it’s imperative to integrate these sessions into your schedule. This might entail leaving work early or bypassing your evening exercise class. In the case of a chronic illness, it’s vital not to hesitate in taking a sick day during particularly challenging periods. Excessive exertion only hinders your recovery, potentially leading to more extended absences in the future.
Heather Monahan underscores the significance of placing your health at the forefront, asserting, “Elevating your health as a priority will ultimately elevate your performance as an employee and your overall persona. Reduced absenteeism and enhanced contentment and efficiency during your presence will result.”
Prioritizing your well-being doesn’t necessitate embracing radical or extreme measures. Simple practices like daily meditation or regular exercise can profoundly contribute to maintaining optimal health.
4. Don’t be afraid to unplug.
Occasionally disconnecting from the external world serves as a means of recuperation from the pressures of the week. This pause enables a mental space for new thoughts and ideas to surface. Unplugging can encompass uncomplicated actions, such as engaging in mindfulness during your daily commute rather than delving into work emails.
Heather Monahan recalls instances of travel with her superior where she observed him immersed in a novel while she remained engrossed in work-related tasks. Reflecting on this, she acknowledges not grasping the wisdom behind his approach – the deliberate act of granting oneself a reprieve and allowing decompression. She realized she was inadvertently steering herself toward the possibility of burnout.
In the present, Monahan has adopted the same strategy. She emphasizes that dedicating time to unwind holds a pivotal role in achieving success and imparts a renewed vigor when resuming work responsibilities.
5. Take a vacation.
On occasion, genuine disconnection entails utilizing vacation time to completely disconnect from work for a period. Whether your vacation encompasses a solitary day spent at home or an extended two-week sojourn in a distant locale like Bali, the act of taking time off is pivotal for both physical and mental rejuvenation.
The State of American Vacation 2018 study, conducted by the U.S. Travel Association, reveals that 52% of employees conclude the year with unused vacation days. Concerns often arise that time off might disrupt workflow and lead to a backlog of tasks upon return. However, this apprehension should not impede you from embracing a much-needed break.
Chris Chancey underscores the notion that there’s no virtue in depriving oneself of well-earned respite from work. He highlights the myriad advantages of taking a day off, which far outweigh any drawbacks. Through strategic planning, it’s possible to embark on a hiatus without burdening colleagues or grappling with an overwhelming workload upon return.
6. Make time for yourself and your loved ones.
Although your profession holds significance, it shouldn’t consume your entire existence. Prioritizing activities or hobbies that bring you joy is essential, as you were an individual with a multifaceted life before taking on your current role. Chris Chancey emphasizes that achieving work-life equilibrium demands intentional steps.
“Without deliberate allocation of personal time, you’ll find yourself perpetually engrossed in work,” Chancey warns. “Despite the apparent chaos of your schedule, you ultimately wield control over your time and life.”
In the realm of personal relationships, strategic planning is similarly crucial. Setting up a calendar for romantic or family engagements might appear unconventional, yet it ensures dedicated quality time without the intrusion of work-related conflicts. Just because work occupies a significant portion of your schedule doesn’t warrant neglecting the personal connections that matter.
Heather Monahan underscores the undeniable truth that the affection and appreciation you receive from your loved ones far surpass any workplace sentiment. Moreover, she highlights the replaceability factor in professional settings. No matter how indispensable you perceive yourself to be, the company would seamlessly continue functioning even in your absence.
7. Set boundaries and work hours.
Defining boundaries for both yourself and your colleagues is imperative in averting burnout. Once you leave the workplace, strive to distance yourself from pondering upcoming tasks or addressing company correspondence. An effective approach could involve maintaining distinct devices – a separate computer or phone dedicated to work – which you can deactivate upon clocking out. Alternatively, consider segregating browsers, emails, or filters for work and personal applications.
Furthermore, Chris Chancey underscores the value of setting well-defined work hours. He advises, “Whether your work is office-based or remote, establishing a clear distinction between your work hours and personal time is crucial. Failing to do so might result in responding to work-related emails at late hours, during vacations, or on your days off.”
Chancey recommends communicating your established boundaries to your team members and manager. Notifying them about periods during which you won’t be accessible due to personal engagements underscores the importance of respecting your limits and work expectations. This proactive approach bolsters understanding and reinforces adherence to the boundaries you’ve set.
8. Set goals and priorities (and stick to them).
Establishing attainable objectives involves the application of effective time-management tactics, scrutinizing your task list, and eliminating assignments with minimal value.
Recognize the moments when your productivity peaks during your work hours and allocate those periods for your pivotal work-related tasks. Steer clear of compulsively checking emails and your phone at frequent intervals, as these actions are significant time drains that disrupt focus and efficiency. Organizing your daily schedule enhances workplace productivity, potentially yielding surplus leisure time beyond work hours.