Welcome to a fresh perspective on work-life balance. Now, you might have heard this term thrown around a lot, and perhaps it’s something you aspire to achieve, yet it feels like an elusive pursuit… because it is.
Here’s my hot take: “Balance” is not what you’re really after.
Think of riding a bicycle: you push one pedal down entirely, then the other, and that’s what propels you forward. We don’t aim for a precarious middle ground, trying to even balance our weight on both pedals. Similarly, the pendulum of a clock swings from one extreme to another in order to keep time. Stop it in the middle, and the clock dies.
This concept of extremes – as opposed to balance – is how our work and personal lives should operate.
When we spend time at work, our focus should be entirely on work-related activities, not interspersed with personal tasks, or letting home stressors eat away at our focus. And when we’re at home, we should be fully present for our loved ones, not checking work emails at all hours or missing out on personal connections because the business is occupying your brain space.
Mixing the work and home spheres not only breeds distraction making us ineffective, but it’s also exhausting. It feels like a never-ending cycle of overwork that leads to burnout. Aiming for this mislabeled “balance” can leave us faltering. If you feel like you’re never fully focused and never fully at rest, it’s probably because you’re continually teetering between work and home, and the two worlds become blurred into one.
In this article, we’ll explore a more nuanced perspective of what work-life balance means. Forget the mythical middle ground – let’s discover how fully immersing ourselves in each aspect of life can lead to greater satisfaction and efficiency.
What is Work Life Balance?
The definition of work-life balance suggests an individual needs time for both work and other aspects of life, whether those are family-related or personal interests. The term implies that there is an invisible line that we must find, a perfect midpoint between work and life that will breed both happiness and productivity.
However, the term is somewhat of a misnomer. It’s not about finding the perfect split between our professional and personal lives. It’s about finding a rhythm that allows us to feel satisfied and fulfilled in both arenas. It’s about being fully present in whatever we’re doing – working when it’s time to work, and enjoying life when it’s time to live. It’s not about balancing scales, it’s about holistic immersion.
The Importance of Work-Life Balance
The importance of this holistic immersion, or the healthier work-life balance, cannot be overstated. It’s crucial for our overall health and well-being, as well as productivity. Being fully engaged in work helps us deliver our best work performance, driving career growth and business success.
On the other hand, being completely present in our personal lives allows us to build stronger relationships, indulge in our passions, and rejuvenate our minds and bodies. This clear division, rather than a blurred line, prevents burnout and enhances quality of life. It promotes physical and mental health, reinforcing positivity and resilience.
Furthermore, it fosters a sense of fulfillment and happiness, as we are able to fully appreciate and excel in each aspect of our lives. Remember, it’s not about balancing, it’s about embracing each moment wholeheartedly.
14 Ways to Improve Work-Life Balance
1. Improve Time Management
To improve your work-life balance, you need to improve your time management first. Start by evaluating your goals, then prioritize your tasks accordingly. Be careful not to get so consumed with urgent activities that you never leave time for the important tasks that will actually move your business forward. Think of urgent activities as working for today, and important activities as working for your future – aka, working IN your business versus working ON your business.
Use tools like planners, calendars, or apps to keep track of your tasks and deadlines – personally, I’m a fan of the TickTick app for task management. Allocate specific time slots for each task and stick to the schedule. This will take practice, and most people fall off the wagon multiple times while attempting to build this new habit, but don’t give up.
The better you get at planning your day/week, the more skilled you will also become at identifying what/how to delegate, and when to say “no.”
2. Embrace Remote Working
As a business owner, you likely have the flexibility to work from anywhere. Even if there is a good reason for you to be on-site with the team most of the time, you might still benefit from scheduling some time each week to work from a separate location where you can focus without interruption. This could mean setting up a home office, working from a cafe or co-working space, or even combining work and travel for a “work-cation.” The key is to create an environment that you enjoy, and that also encourages productivity. It’s all about making your work adapt to your life, not the other way around.
Remember to set clear boundaries if you’re working from home to avoid blending personal and professional time. This could mean sticking to regular work hours, taking designated breaks, and having a separate workspace. Remote and hybrid work environments can offer a refreshing change of scenery, and spark creativity, but it can be counterproductive if you find yourself interspersing work and household chores.
3. Take Breaks
We all need to hit the pause button every now and then. Taking regular breaks throughout the day is an integral part of achieving a healthy work-life balance. It’s during these moments of rest that we recharge and refuel, ready to dive back into our tasks with renewed energy and focus.
You might feel as if you don’t have time to take a break, but sometimes taking 15 minutes to physically or mentally reset is the most productive thing you can do! Breaks are not a luxury; they’re a necessity for our physical and mental well-being, and you’ll likely find yourself thinking clearer and working faster when you return.
Go for a walk, savor a cup of coffee, meditate, play a game of solitaire, or have a non-work-related chat with a team member. Give your mind and body the rest they deserve. Remember, it’s not about constantly juggling between work and life, it’s about being 100% present wherever you are – and that includes taking time out for yourself. By incorporating regular breaks into your daily routine, you’re not only fostering productivity but also cultivating mindfulness and inner peace.
4. Make Schedules Flexible
While consistency builds great habits, sometimes being overly rigid can lead to unnecessary stress and hinder your productivity. By incorporating flexibility, you enable yourself to adapt to unforeseen circumstances without disrupting your rhythm.
Consider implementing a system where you can adjust your work hours around your personal activities. For instance, if you’re a morning person, start your day at work early and free up your evenings for leisure or family time. Or if you’re a parent, schedule your work day around your kid’s activities, and don’t feel guilty about leaving the office early to catch their game or performance.
After all, being in business should give you more life, not suck the life out of you.
5. Practice Self-Compassion
Self-compassion is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of achieving work-life harmony. At times, especially when we’re juggling multiple responsibilities, we might falter or not meet the high expectations we set for ourselves. It’s in these moments, that practicing self-compassion becomes vital. Recognize that it’s perfectly okay to make mistakes, to have off days, or to not be at your best all the time.
Instead of criticizing yourself, treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend in a similar situation. Practice self-care activities, take time out to relax, and most importantly, congratulate yourself on what you’ve accomplished, rather than focusing only on what’s left to do.
6. Plan Vacation Days in Advance
If you don’t schedule the time off, it will not happen. By planning your time away well in advance, you ensure a well-deserved break that allows you to rest and rejuvenate.
One of my clients recently hit a real personal slump around late summer, and her lack of energy was having a negative impact on the business. After some discussion, we realized they opted to delay their usual early-summer vacation until the fall this year. In hindsight, she realized she genuinely needed that mid-year break before heading into some of their busiest months of the year. By foregoing that time to recharge, she’s been running on an empty energy tank. Lesson learned!
Consider the best time of year to take off, for both your business needs as well as your personal needs. Share your vacation plans with your team in advance so they can prepare and step in when necessary.
7. Consider Volunteering
Volunteering is an excellent way to give back to your community, broaden your perspective, and instill a sense of purpose beyond the confines of your business. Volunteering can be as simple as helping out at a local food bank, mentoring a young entrepreneur, or helping with the school fundraiser. The key is to choose a cause that resonates with you and aligns with your values.
Keep in mind that volunteering isn’t about detracting from your work time, it’s about enriching your life with meaningful experiences and connections. This positive influence can surprisingly invigorate your approach towards your work as well, sparking new ideas and enthusiasm.
8. Create Employee Health Initiatives
A healthy workforce is not only productive but also happier and more engaged. To enhance employees’ work-life balance, think about offering gym memberships, organizing a team health challenge, or even simply encouraging your team to take regular breaks for physical activity during the workday.
Provide resources on mental health, too, because a well-balanced mind is just as important as a well-functioning body. Consider hosting seminars or workshops on stress management, mindfulness, or other mental health topics. Providing healthy snack options in the office can also contribute to better nutrition and overall well-being.
9. Prioritize Top Tasks First
Prioritizing your top tasks first is a critical technique for enhancing your work habits and achieving a healthy work-life rhythm. By tackling your most important and demanding tasks first thing in the day, you’re capitalizing on your peak energy levels and mental focus. Use tools, such as the Eisenhower Matrix, to help identify what needs your immediate attention and what can be scheduled for later, delegated, or even eliminated.
This isn’t about cramming as many tasks as possible into your day. It’s about focusing on quality over quantity. Completing a few key tasks well rather than numerous tasks inadequately. So, before diving into your daily grind, take a moment to identify your top tasks and commit to accomplishing these first – resisting the urge to default to easy tasks just to check things off the list.
10. Communicate Boundaries
Communicating boundaries is a key step towards maintaining a healthy rhythm between your work and personal life. It’s about setting clear expectations with your team, your clients, and even your family and friends regarding your availability and response times. To do this, be transparent about your working hours and stick to them as much as possible.
Consider establishing dedicated time slots for checking and responding to emails, and effectively communicate this schedule to your team. When you’re spending quality time with family or taking a well-deserved break, make sure your team understands that they should only reach out in case of emergencies. It’s equally important to honor the boundaries of others. By openly expressing and respecting these boundaries, you cultivate a work environment that values individual needs, resulting in enhanced team productivity and satisfaction.
11. Provide Feedback
Providing constructive feedback is about open communication that promotes learning and growth, both for you and your team. This isn’t about criticizing or demeaning, but about guiding, supporting, and helping each other to be more effective.
Schedule regular feedback sessions with your team members individually or in groups, to discuss their performance, provide guidance, and hear their ideas and issues. Remember to be specific and objective in your feedback, focusing on the task or behavior, not on the character of the person. Be open and receptive when receiving feedback too.
12. Add Exercise to Your Routine
Adding exercise to your daily routine is more than just a health tip, it’s a key element in maintaining both physical and mental well-being that supports your overall effectiveness. You don’t have to be a fitness fanatic, just incorporate manageable levels of physical activity into your daily routine.
This could be a brisk walk after lunch, a quick yoga session in the morning, or even a bike ride after work. Regular exercise not only improves your physical health, but also boosts your mood, reduces stress, and enhances mental clarity. These benefits can lead to improved problem-solving abilities, increased creativity, and a more positive outlook.
Again, you might feel like you don’t have time to exercise, but anyone who has taken the step to commit to regular physical activity will tell you they somehow get even more done. In fact, one of my clients had his best quarter ever in business while training to run his first marathon. The discipline and focus that he applied to his physical life carried over to his business, resulting in both physical and financial benefits.
13. Understand that There Is no ‘Perfect’ Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance is not about dividing your time equally between work and personal life. Life is dynamic and work-life balance is a cycle that will vary over time, often on a daily basis.
Some days, you might need to focus more on work, while on other days, personal or family matters take precedence. The key is being present wherever you are and being flexible enough to adjust your focus as needed.
Embrace the ebb and flow of work and life, understand your own limits, and remember to be kind to yourself. You’re human, after all, and doing your best is what truly matters.
14. Find a Mentor
A mentor can provide guidance, accountability, and invaluable insights from their own experiences, helping you navigate the challenges of your business journey.
“You can’t see the picture when you’re in the frame.” – Les Brown
Your mentor won’t solve all your problems, but can often identify patterns or behaviors that you might not be aware of, and help you take steps to get back on track. This relationship should be based on mutual respect and trust, so finding the right mentor is key. Look for someone who has relevant life and business experience, shares your values, and is genuinely interested in your growth.
What Is an Unhealthy Work-Life Balance?
A poor work-life balance often manifests as a persistent, overwhelming sense of being stretched too thin between professional obligations and personal commitments. It’s not just having a busy schedule, but rather, consistently prioritizing work at the expense of your health, relationships, or overall well-being. It’s when work starts seeping into your personal hours, you’re always on call, or you neglect self-care, family, and hobbies because of work demands.
This type of work-life disparity may lead to chronic stress, burnout, and a decrease in both productivity and overall life satisfaction. It’s important to remember that working long hours doesn’t always equate to accomplishing more. Developing and maintaining a healthy work-life integration involves recognizing and addressing signs of imbalance early on, ensuring that work enhances your life, rather than overtaking it.
FAQs
How can employers support employees in achieving a better work-life balance?
Employers have the power to empower their employees to achieve a harmonious work-life balance through a variety of efforts. They can foster flexibility by exploring options such as remote work, flexible hours, or compressed work weeks. Encouraging regular breaks and utilization of vacation time can also help employees find personal fulfillment. Furthermore, providing resources for both physical and mental well-being, such as gym memberships and counseling services, can prove to be highly beneficial.
Additionally, creating a culture that respects personal time and boundaries can significantly contribute to a more balanced work-life rhythm and better employee engagement. Clear communication regarding expectations and workload, coupled with the provision of necessary tools and resources for efficient work, can help alleviate stress and enhance balance. Ultimately, employers who exhibit understanding and empathy towards the personal lives of their employees are more likely to cultivate a healthy work environment.
Is it possible to maintain a work-life balance in high-stress jobs?
Maintaining a work-life rhythm in high-stress jobs can be a challenge, but it’s definitely possible. The key lies in implementing effective stress management strategies and prioritizing self-care. Demanding jobs can take all your available time and energy if you allow it, so it’s critical to be proactive with scheduling time for personal activities and enjoyment outside of work, or it simply won’t be left over at the end of the day. This includes setting clear boundaries between work and personal time, making regular time for physical activity and relaxation techniques, and maintaining a nutritious diet.
Communication is paramount as well, so don’t hesitate to express your needs and concerns with your employer or manager. Remember, the goal is not to eliminate stress altogether, but rather to manage it in a way that doesn’t negatively affect your health and personal life. While high-stress jobs may be demanding, with the right approach and support, you can maintain a healthy mix of work and leisure, even in the most challenging environments.
How many work hours is the limit for perfect work-life balance?
There is no certain number of hours to strive for, as the ideal work-life rhythm is not universal – it depends on individual needs, job nature, and personal circumstances. However, it is crucial to avoid letting work consume all your time, leaving little room for relaxation, hobbies, family, or self-care.
While the traditional 40-hour work week has been the norm, what truly matters is managing your time effectively to maximize productivity while also being able to disconnect and enjoy personal time fully. Remember, it’s about quality, not quantity.
