Is your work life balance a priority, here’s why it should be
Work-life balance seems to be talked about a lot these days.
It is essential for the 21st century professional to have this work-life balance given the challenges we face today.
Technology has made our lives more convenient, but the persistent demands from family, friends, bosses, clients, coupled with rising living costs requires that we achieve some equilibrium to manage.
There are some practical ways to achieve work-life equilibrium:
Understanding what a healthy balance means
People often mistakenly assume work life balance has to be 50-50.
They assume that an equal number of hours must be dedicated to work and leisure time.
Equality in this regard is not realistic or possible. You can have a 40-hour work week with 12-hours of leisure and still enjoy optimum vitality.
What you must determine is, what does personal balance look like?
Some people can work beyond 40 hours a week with a day off. Others may struggle with this routine.
Moreover, depending on your circumstances – marital status, number of dependents, your age and even gender, some people naturally have more responsibilities than others.
Effective time management
Time management is an important skill because time is the most valuable resource.
Money can always be made, but lost time can never be recuperated.
Therefore, your time has to be properly managed to get your main responsibilities – both professional and personal done.
Following a daily routine is an integral part of effective time management.
Just what a budget does for your finances, a routine organises your daily responsibilities so that you can have clarity and a momentum about your day.
You are one individual and though you may have dozens of “important things” piled on your list, the reality is, your two hands and 24 daily hours will frequently be insufficient to get everything done.
At least not in a way, without error.
Therefore, you should get comfortable with setting boundaries and saying the word “No”.
Understand that your “No” does not necessarily mean “Never.”
It simply can mean, “No, not right now but later.”
Setting this boundary will allow you to have flexibility, clarity and respect.
Manage your energy
Energy is another important but limited resource.
Having sufficient energy depends on proper sleep, nutrition, exercise and of course your environment.
The environment is critical because even with good sleep and nutrition, if you’re surrounded by toxic people, harmful surroundings or unstable workspaces, these will rapidly deplete your energy.
As such, use your routine to handle those tasks with are both urgent and important.
Smaller matters you can always delegate or cancel, if they are truly unnecessary.
Be part of Employee Wellness Programs
Given that work-life balance is such an important topic, many companies have introduced policies and initiatives to help employees balance their time, energy and avoid burnout.
It would be useful to incorporate some of these programs into your routine to manage stress. Foster good lifestyle habits and allow you to be your most efficient and productive. Popular employee wellness programs in the Caribbean are:
Employee Assistance (EAP) Programs
Everyone, even the most efficient professional goes through the occasional rough patch.
Rough times, whether they’re family problems, personal trauma or work-related anxiety affects both the individual’s mental wellbeing and the organisation’s performance.
EAPs are provided in-house through a company’s HR department or they can be outsourced to specialist firms who offer counselling, performance assessment, treatment planning and other services as part of an employee’s benefits package.
Such services help employees to balance responsibilities and sort through any mental roadblocks that prevent them from achieving optimum vitality and competence.
Mental Health Awareness
Achieving a healthy work-life balance largely means maintaining a healthy psyche and emotional stability. As such, it is essential to invest in your own mental health and wellbeing through company funded mental health seminars, activities and best practices.
Physical wellbeing exercises
No one has ever discounted the numerous effects of exercise on a person’s mental and emotional health. Larger companies usually provide and fun aerobic activities, gym memberships, Zumba, hiking or spin classes to encourage employees to stay in shape and reap the benefits of proper exercise.
Get involved in creative initiatives
While work can be mundane, a lot of companies also offer opportunities for employees to showcase their talents, creative skills or other passions.
For example, companies spearhead environmental campaigns and projects which nature lovers can get involved in. Joining fun committees within the company offers staff members a chance to use their creativity and contribute towards something worthwhile.
Sports days, holiday parties, talent competitions and other event planning committees as well as giving back to the community projects, clean-up campaigns or mentorship opportunities enable employees to view the organisation as more than just a place of work.
Use your downtime wisely
Even if your employer may not provide all the programs listed above, you can still create and customise your work-life balance by using what is already provided.
This means using your personal days when necessary.
Take your vacation days as planned and spend that time with your loved ones, catch up on personal projects or scratch a couple things off your bucket list.
Just as you manage your professional time at work, manage your personal time in the same way.
Schedule family outings, make time for relaxation and do those activities that bring you joy.
Remember your health is your wealth and once you have fulfilled your working hours, your downtime is your responsibility.
