Achieving Work-Life balance
Work-life balance is a conundrum that has plagued working professionals for decades. For the most part you feel like a firefighter, just going from call to call, extinguishing the latest obstacle or problem. Some refer to work-life balance as “controlled chaos.” Now throw in the reality of virtual meetings, emails and children… well… you have a job and life that goes nonstop 24/7.
Is it possible to have a work-life balance? The answer is not simple.
Some believe you have to give up one part of your life for another part. For example, if a mother wants to climb the corporate ladder, she better obtain a nanny to raise the children. If a father wants that promotion, he must work overtime and miss his children’s sporting events. The balance can go in the other direction as well. You take off early from work for your child’s game or program at school, only to be riddled with worry if that decision made you look like an unconcerned employee. You and your partner decide that it is best to go down to one income and have someone stay home with the children – this can lead to financial worries and feelings of resentment.
And then, like most of society, both parents need to work. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2022, 65 percent of married-couple families with children have both parents employed.
Work-side of the balance
Employers need to take the lead to help employees achieve a balance between work and life and understand the benefits of having more of a balance. For employers, if an employee has a better balance, the benefits turn into a higher return of investment for employers. Employees with a better balance have:
- Increased sleep. Fatigue on the job can lead to less productively and more mistakes.
- Better health. When an employee is stressed, it can lead to an unhealthy habits and increased use of “self-medication” such as alcohol and drugs.
- Less burnout. When a job and personal environment doesn’t match or coincide peacefully, the risk of burnout increases. This takes a toll on the employee’s mental health, physical health and productivity.
What can employers do to help
- Lead by example. If employees see an employer incorporating exercise or taking time for the family, it will help employees feel less “guilt” or shame in doing the same thing.
- Understand that every employee is different – employers may have to tailor work life to help employees.
- Ask employees what you can do as an employer to improve work-life balance.
- Offer flexibility. As an employer, see if there are ways to offer hybrid work or job sharing.
- Focus on productivity rather than hours.
- Encourage breaks or exercise during the work schedule. Even just a 15-minute walk boosts energy levels.
Life-side of the balance
The COVID-19 Pandemic opened doors to many employees with the option to work from home or hybrid work from home and the office. Technology has increased the stress of trying to balance work and life. Work is accessible at all hours. We no longer just leave the office at a given time and let work stay at work. Improving work-life balance starts with a positive mindset and willingness to change and adjust.
Tips for helping to balance work and life:
- Take a moment for yourself. A daily walk. Meditation. Reading. Give yourself a break to reenergize.
- Use your lunch break – stop working through lunch.
- Ask for flexibility – how do you know if it’s possible if you don’t ask?
- Know when to shut off the work life. If your office hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, then work during those hours. Otherwise, resist the urge to reply to emails that arrive after or before set work hours.
- Say “no.” If you have no time to volunteer for something outside of work and the home, then kindly say “no.” An opportunity will arise when you are able to volunteer without over-stressing yourself.
- Let go of the idea of being a super human. No one is a super human. No one is perfect. It is important, even healthy, to recognize that life can be hard, and you can’t do everything to perfection.
- Make space for family time. You can get creative with family time. Perhaps you all go on a daily walk or bike ride. Maybe it’s reading together at night or even watching a television series. Family game night is another way to connect. Make time for the older members of your family with a daily phone call or scheduled visits.
- Ask for help. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Establish a support system. Help can come in many forms. Help with housework, with the kids, with cooking or even just someone you can talk to.
- Remember You! Make your health a priority. A self-care routine for both your physical and mental health leads to a healthier you and an increased ability with handling stress – helping with balancing your work and life.
