Hoe manage je best je work-life balance

How to Manage Work-Life Balance

Have you ever lost the peace of mind of doing things well and calmly? Surely it happened to you, having to run frantically from one place to another; performing multiple activities at the same time and ending the day without having the energy to take time for yourself.

Of course, in a professional setting, this has repercussion for both the employee and the employer. Not finding the right work-life balance can lead not only to a lack of quality and consistency but also to a lack of energy , a kind of worker depression . If you feel like having experienced some kind of worker depression, this article is for you.

To better let you understand the concept, let's use and example: your day consists of 24 hours. 8 of which you need to rest. There are 16 hours left, 8 of which you should spend at work and 8 more to meet your personal needs.

But do you really only spend 8 hours a day doing your jobs? When you come home after a day at the office, don't you switch on your PC again to finish you to dos?

If you find yourself in one of the above, this article will help you better understand how to deal with your Work-Life Balance .

What is Work-Life Balance?

According to TechTarget , the definition for work-life balance is:

“Work-life balance is the optimal arrangement of an individual's on-the-job and private time to facilitate health and personal satisfaction without negatively impacting productivity and professional success.”

In short, work-life balance is our ability to better manage our private life and our working life . One important rule is that one should not affect the other and vice versa.

It's important to remember that if you're looking for a perfect work-life balance, I must tell you that you will never meet one. Perfection doesn't exist and, no day is the same. You can only aim to find a realistic balance that allows you to cope with the unexpected without pouring stress into your private life.

The Causes of Work-Life Imbalance

To truly try to find your work-life balance, you must understand where the imbalance comes from.

Employers' mental health is the key to success. If everyone is feeling good, safe, and appreciated in their workspace, it means that they will be more productive. So, what can cause employees' imbalance? We will show you two causes.

1. You work in a poorly organized workspace.

Your workspace is where you spend most of the time, you need to feel comfortable otherwise you risk getting frustrated at work and of course end up being less productive .

Let's see some statistics to understand the importance of the Workspace.

80% of employees say their offices are set up in a way that allows them to be efficient.
73% say their offices help them be better at what they do.

Of course, now you're wondering: How can an office be set up in order to be efficient for its workers? Here three examples:

• Adequate lighting : Ensure both natural and artificial lightning to reduce eye strain and create a pleasant working environment.
• Technology and equipment: The office must contain the appropriate tools to enable workers to perform the work in the best possible way.
• Personalization: It's important to allow employees to personalize their workstations with plants, pictures, or other items that make them feel comfortable and motivated.

If employees are not provided with a healthy workspace, they will be less fruitful.

2. Lack of Flexibility.

Flexibility under different aspects, for example the work arrangements. Without flexibility they will feel overwhelmed by deadlines, projects etc.

67% say they would consider leaving their job if their work arrangements became less flexible.

Let's see together some examples of flexibility in your workspace:

• Flexible working hours : Workers should decide how best to manage their working hours, always satisfying the needs of the company.
• Remote work options : Provide opportunities for remote work. This allow employees to work from home or any location outside the office, this can be beneficial for them.
• Open communication and feedback : It's important to encourage open and honest communication with employees to understand their needs and preferences regarding flexibility.

Work-Life Imbalance: Symptoms

You may be thinking that you do have a great work-life balance. I may also agree with you, but some of us are totally experiencing an imbalance without even realizing it.

Here are some warning signs , if you find yourself in one of these habits, you are a risk profile.

• Constantly check email work.
• Answer business call during dinner.
• Jump to the computer after working hours, to continue a project.
• Your mind is full of thoughts and doubts 24 hours a day.
• Try to finish a project in less time to please your boss, instead of asking to postpone the deadline.
• You're frequently working overtime.
• You never take time off.

Tips for a better Work-Life Balance

Here some examples you could follow in order to have a better work-life balance.

1. Setting Boundaries

• Clearly define your working hours and communicate them to your colleagues.
• Avoid checking work emails or taking calls outside of designated work hours.
• Learn to prioritize and differentiate between urgent and non-urgent tasks.

2. Prioritizing Self-Care

• Allocate regular time for activities that recharge and rejuvenate you, such as hobbies, exercise, or spending time with loved ones.
• Practice self-care routines like mindfulness, meditation, or engaging in activities that bring you joy.
• Take supplements that support your body and mind to better manage energy, sleep quality or sensitivity to stress.

3. Effective Time Management

• Prioritize and plan your tasks using tools like to-do lists or productivity apps.
• Delegate tasks when possible and learn to say no to additional commitments when your schedule is already full.
• Avoid multitasking and focus on one task at a time to improve productivity and reduce stress.

4. Establishing a Routine

• Create a daily or weekly schedule that includes dedicated time for work, personal activities, and relaxation.
• Stick to your routine as much as possible to maintain a sense of structure and balance.
• Set aside time for family, friends, hobbies, and other activities that bring you fulfillment outside of work.

5. Open Communication and Flexibility

• Engage in open and honest communication with your employer or team about your work-life balance needs.
• Explore flexible work options such as remote work, flexible hours, or compressed workweeks.
• Advocate for yourself and negotiate for a work arrangement that suits your needs and supports a better work-life balance.