Establishing and maintaining a healthy work-life balance can make all the difference when it comes to achieving success. You can’t pursue effective career goals without having enough time to relax and focus on yourself outside of work; however, putting too much effort into relaxation activities can lead to an even greater imbalance in your life. It’s a delicate balancing act that requires dedication, but once you find what works for you, preserving this equilibrium is simpler than you think! This blog post explores practical tips and techniques for creating and preserving a work and life balance.
Why maintain a healthy work-life balance?
Techniques for Preserving a Healthy Work-Life Balance
In pursuing a fulfilling existence, finding equilibrium between work and personal life has become a vital concept. Startling statistics from 2020 reveal that 77% of Americans endured burnout due to their work, and an alarming 66% lacked an optimal work-life balance. This ultimately results in a substantial cost of $550 billion annually for organizations due to demotivated and disengaged employees.
Recognizing the significance of this issue, numerous organizations have begun implementing wellness programs in the workplace. However, it is disheartening to note that only 20% of employees actively participate in these programs without external incentives.
#1 Set Personal and Professional Goals
When setting long-term and short-term goals, individuals should ensure they include personal aspirations, not just professional ones. Does the person want to spend more time with their family or dedicate more evenings to their hobbies?
It may appear unconventional to consider these personal aspects as goals. However, it is crucial to consciously engage in activities that bring joy, as this helps maintain a balanced life amidst work obligations.
#2 Explore Flexible Working
An interesting question arises: is it always necessary to be physically present in the office, or is it possible to negotiate some remote-working days with one’s boss? Surprisingly, a 2019 survey revealed that more than a third of workers would willingly accept a 5% pay reduction if it meant they could enjoy the benefits of flexible working. It is worth noting that flexible working is considered more important than both wellness programs and parental leave.
The advantages of flexible working are numerous, including reducing stress, improving focus and productivity, and saving time that would otherwise be spent commuting. That precious hour or two that individuals would devote to driving or commuting can now be directed towards revitalizing sleep or pursuing personal goals. It is fascinating to consider such possibilities that flexible working presents.
#3 Record Conversations
To improve the balance between work and life, you can record calls. You do not need to worry about personal matters during working hours, just as you do not need to worry about work issues during personal time. All you need is to try Call Recorder for iOS and check how useful it is in your case. With Call Recorder for iPhone, you can record conversations and return to them anytime. Try asking how employees create work-life balance and offer this option to them.
#4 Get Better at Email
Efficiently reviewing emails is crucial for maintaining productivity levels. Setting aside dedicated time to review emails, such as when starting the workday, at specific intervals, or at a consistent time each day, is recommended. It is important to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the constant stream of incoming emails. While it is essential to respond to emails promptly, it is equally important not to let a new email distract from the current task. It is advisable to leave work-related emails at the office unless there is a requirement for on-call availability after regular working hours. Relying on mobile devices or tablets for email after work hours should only be necessary for specific on-call situations.
#5 Plan ahead
Planning can greatly enhance work-life balance. Consider integrating leisure, social, or fitness activities into your work schedule. For instance, attending virtual meetings while leisurely walking can boost productivity and overall well-being. If the ambient noise permits, taking a call outside can provide a refreshing change of environment. Additionally, co-working with friends can foster collaboration and make the work experience more enjoyable.
#6 Set blocks of time for different tasks
A designated time should be set aside to check and respond to messages, another time to attend meetings and yet another time to engage in mentally-intensive work. This approach proves beneficial as it anchors these tasks around the individual’s most productive periods.
#7 Find something you love
When individuals have activities they are passionate about after work, it becomes simpler to disconnect from work-related messages or conclude the day at a pre-established time. Hobbies contribute to increased energy and vitality, enabling individuals to return to work feeling refreshed and creative.
#8 Prioritize your health
A person’s main concern is overall physical, emotional, and mental health. Suppose one struggles with anxiety or depression and believes therapy would benefit. In that case, it is important to schedule therapy sessions, even if they must leave work early or skip an evening spin class. If someone is battling a chronic illness, they should not hesitate to call in sick on difficult days. Overworking oneself can hinder recovery and potentially lead to more days off.
#9 End work at a certain time
There is a saying that “work expands to fill the time allotted,” when working from home, it is even easier to let work spill over into personal time. One should set a time to end work for the day and reinforce it by powering down work-related devices, locking their office, or scheduling something afterward.
#10 Healthy eating habits
Food serves as fuel, and sometimes a lack of nutritious options can highlight the need to change dietary habits. Many full-time individuals, particularly in office settings, tend to snack throughout the day or opt for unhealthy lunch choices. Recognizing the departure from healthy routines is pivotal in initiating a transformation. The types of foods consumed play a significant role in determining mood, sleep patterns, and overall well-being. A week of fast food can lead to fatigue, irritability, and depletion. Preparing a packed lunch can be a practical solution for those working in office environments and lacking the time to eat out daily.
Conclusion
The first step to rectifying an imbalanced work and home life is recognizing it. Taking the time to establish small daily or weekly habits can significantly impact the long term. Coaching services can provide valuable guidance if assistance is needed to develop a plan to balance work and life. What is your quality of work-life balance?
