Work Life Balance

Meaning

Work-life balance is the term used to describe practices at the workplace that aim to support the needs of employees in achieving a balance between family (life) and work lives.

Work-life balance is not just a work-family balance. Moreover, it refers to the management of professional and family responsibilities, towards children, aging parents, any disabled family member, or a partner.

12 steps will help you to restore the balance in your work and personal lives. They are:

Step 1: One thing at a time

It is not possible to focus on two things at a time. So, there should be one target. Forget multitasking.

When you are working, work. When you are spending time with your family, focus only on them.

Step 2: Respect your private time

Sometimes you have to cancel or delay your personal works because of an emergency work meeting. Give your own time the same respect. Once you’ve put private time on your schedule, protect it, unless there’s an emergency.

Step 3: Go for a vacation

Take two weeks off from your work every year. You don’t need to go far or to spend lots of money on this, but you do need to recharge your batteries to be productive, creative, and happy. Turn off your cell phones and computer, and enjoy the vacation with your loved ones. 

Step 4: Set your priorities

Figure out what you want your priorities to be, not what you think they should be. Ask yourself, “If I could only focus on one thing in my life, what would it be?”

That answer is your top priority. What would you focus on second? Third? Fourth? Fifth? You’ve now identified your top five priorities.

Step 5: Track your time

For one week, track how you spend your time. How much time do you spend doing things that don’t matter to you? Eliminate these things from your life, or try doing things that suit your priorities and stop wasting unnecessary time. Because lost time is never found again.

Step 6: Ask for support

Tell your boss, family, friends, colleagues, and anyone else involved in your life that you are looking for a better work-life balance.

Tell them what your plan is, and ask them to respect it.

Step 7: Set boundaries

Today’s technology can make your work life and personal life quite blurry.

Turn off your cell phone and laptop when you’re with your kids playing around, and ask friends and family not to interrupt your workday unless it’s an emergency.

Step 8: Do plenty of exercises

It may not be feasible to add another activity to your life, but exercise relieves stress, clears your mind, and ultimately makes you more productive.

Don’t skip it. You’ll find work, family, and personal commitments more gracefully. 

Step 9: Find a mentor

Do you know someone who has it all a successful career and a great personal life?

Ask him/her to give you advice on career development, setting priorities, and time management.

Step 10: Learn to say “No”

Don’t allow every request that comes your way. If it doesn’t fit into your schedule or align with your priorities, don’t overburden yourself by taking on more.

Step 11: Have a look at your personal habits and general lifestyle

Lack of sleep, poor nutrition, and bad habits can cause you to feel a lack of balance in your life and can prevent any efforts you are making to achieve work-life balance.

Step 12: Evaluate your work-life balance regularly

Achieving work-life balance is a never-ending journey, and needs will be different at different times in life. Set some time to say every two months to reflect on your current balance, what you would like it to be, and what the plan is for arriving there.