Are you seeking the elusive work-life balance for yourself as a leader? Do you intend to provide a work environment that promotes balance for your employees?
Work-life balance means that you perceive that your work and non-work activities are compatible, help you grow and are in accordance with your present life priorities. Yet work-life balance is experienced differently by every individual and is, therefore, a complex idea. For example, work and family life may seem incompatible on the outside, however, becoming a parent may improve the quality of your experience at work and vice versa.
Quality work is considered good for our health, equally, we thrive on experiencing a substantial home life. Similarly, we are each unique in how we either integrate work and non-work or prefer to separate the two. In other words, some people would struggle to move easily between working and playing the piano whilst cooking for a loved one.
Many of us have experienced integrating various roles through numerous lockdowns if this isn’t your default position or that of your employees it’s the road to burnout. As much as we may think we are invincible, we have a limited number of resources and, therefore, once fully drained there is nothing left for work or home life.
Think about your energy and resources, not just your time. Be prepared to say “no”, or if that’s too hard “not right now”. Rest (including active rest e.g. gardening) is important and over three hours a day is optimum.
Do you prefer to integrate or separate work and non-work? Is your present routine in alignment? What can you do to change it? Be mindful of the risks you are facing. Are you in a stressful job or are you very committed? Do your employees do the same? This will give you a better understanding of your baseline and, therefore, how to help you and your team thrive.
If you notice that your behaviour is changing, talk to someone you trust. You may be thinking of quitting your job or notice problems in your relationship, for example. Consider your essential boundaries. How can you protect quality time for things that matter to you most? Have conversations with honesty but integrity that ‘this is really important to me.’
Final takeaway tips for leaders:
- Discuss and engage with employees about what balance means to them
- Explore with employees those essential tasks versus nice to have
- Review your flexible working policies, and make changes to help alleviate the tech invasion and tendency to be ‘always on’
To find out how The Contented Workplace can help you design work that promotes greater balance and means better results for your business and customers email hello@thecontentedworkplace.co