How to balance work and life
Work-life balance is the idea that an individual’s work and personal life intersect harmoniously, without one of these two spheres sacrificed. These two environments should be balanced, and attention devoted to both. To improve the quality of work delivered, personal life outside of work must be satisfying.
These days, employees are deemed “permanently” at work with the introduction of improved mobile technology. individuals are easily reachable and available for work all around the clock. This might be a phone call away or an email notification popping up on the mobile phone any time. in the past, there was a distinction between work and personal space as the location of work and home determining this balance was effortlessly attainable. Due to unrealistic expectations that employees and employers aim to achieve; employees cannot help but respond to work requests even during personal time. The fear of losing jobs with the everincreasing unemployment rates as well as financial commitments for a comfortable lifestyle, the workday is never-ending. This imbalance between professional life and personal life then results in unhappy individuals, damaged relationships, as well as poor health. There is no one-size-fit all formula on how to balance work and life regarding how much time to allocate to one over the other, but it is crystal clear that these two aspects of an individual should be consciously prioritised and managed.
Below are some of the benefits and impact of the importance of a healthy worklife balance:
Positive effects
improved productivity fulfilled individuals in their careers reduced stress promoting happiness reduced sick leave days
Saving costs for employers as there is no lost time with absenteeism employee loyalty and commitment achieving company vision employers can retain employees longer thus business continuity is preserved Motivated workforce overall sense of well-being ripple effect of overall happiness as family members and friends connected to balanced individuals spend time together
Negative outcomes
Poor physical and mental health Depression is high amongst individuals Companies experience high turnover employees might give up their careers individuals’ full potential not achieved resulting in lost talent increased errors due to low concentration thus affecting the quality of work
As can be seen from the above outline, a healthy work-life balance does not only benefit employees but employers too.
Tips on achieving a healthy balance
Achieving a healthy work-life balance to
is crucial for both personal and professional life. There are numerous steps that employees and employers could take up in order to improve this balance. individuals should have a clear distinction between work and home. once the workday has ended at the work premises, the onus is on the individual to create the boundary.
Devote time for personal hobbies and interests. This opens the mind, promoting creativity and ideas on how best to tackle work tasks. reduced stress levels will greatly impact the performance at work. Nurturing relationships with family or friends play a pivotal role.
These individuals contribute to our overall success as they are the support system and as human beings are social beings, interactions are vital. investment in one’s overall health is essential. This involves exercise of any form at the gym or home space, yoga, meditation, taking a walk as well as eating well. This enrichment will generally improve energy levels, physical and mental health.
Time off should be taken. This may include coffee breaks, lunchtime, and even annual leave. it is essential to take a step back and unwind in both work and personal lives. renewed insight is attained and thus individuals cope better.
Along with taking breaks, arises the importance of organising and planning the day, week, month or even year ahead. Prioritise tasks that can be easily achieved and return to tasks that require extra time. Planning your time ensures that all aspects of work and life are not neglected as whilst planning, you may spot if an area has been allotted more time versus the other.
Working from home due to the pandemic, has brought its benefits and introduced us to alternative ways of working. The physical location of work does not have to be the only location for work to be performed. This flexibility in the work environment has been valued.
Advance technology improvements, faster internet as well as cloud-based platforms have given us endless possibilities to improve and achieve a healthy work-life balance.
it is with the same technology that we should be cautious to unplug from as well when it is social and personal time. insist on taking advantage of the benefits of technology like setting break reminders or tracking movements for physical health through online wellness apps.
Additionally, where individuals identify unmanageable pressure from work or family demands, there should be willingness of individuals to open up and speak.
expectations can be reviewed if achievable, adjusted where possible or additional help/resources provided but this can only be addressed if people around are made aware.
Companies should encourage this openness to avoid burnout and improve work quality. employers may support employees by offering remote and flexible working where possible to promote the balance.
As well as engaging employees in conversations on how or what can the employer do to improve the balance.
Team-building activities organised by companies also can be beneficial. These activities can be planned with teammates and promote teamwork outside the traditional work environment.
We are our “brother’s keeper”, and we should support each other, identify workmates under stress and offer emotional support to improve their work-life balance.
Conclusion
Based on discussions above, numerous articles and research done on the importance of work-life balance, the consensus is that a healthy work-life balance is crucial for both employees and employers.
The benefits outweigh the disadvantages of the imbalance.
As individuals we should remember that it is our responsibility to ensure this balance is achieved.
The picture of a healthy work-life balance differs but we should put an effort to attain this as the world would be a better place with healthy, happier, and fulfilled human beings.
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