In today’s fast paced business world, the ability to achieve work life balance is becoming more and more difficult
We aren’t sure about our readers, but we believe all working individuals would find this statement relatable in some way. Employers are expecting more from their staff, we put more pressure on ourselves to achieve greater results and technology means we are always ‘on’.
But since when was working 9 ‘til 5 no longer the way to make a living and the working day suddenly became 8 ‘til 7? Has Dolly Parton been lying to us this whole time?
We have allowed this to become part of our lives by conforming to the workplace culture or feeling obliged to put in more hours than you should. Sure, we know that extra hours need to be put in at times to keep up with demand, but it definitely shouldn’t reach a point where it affects your health and relationships.
So why is achieving a positive work-life balance so critical?
WE WILL BE LESS LIKELY TO BURN OUT
Work stresses are common, but you need to be active in managing them so that you don’t burn out. Burn out impacts every aspect of your life, including your work, which means the extra hours that you are doing can often be counter-productive.
Allowing your work stress to consume your personal life is one of the key indicators that you are not achieving a work life balance. If this is happening, talk it over with your manager/business partner and spouse to come up with a strategy to avoid burn out and breathe some life into the work-life equation.
ATTENTION IS PAID WHERE DUE
Ever find yourself sitting at home with your loved ones, but instead of interacting with them you are checking our work emails or not really listening to the conversation? All of us at Progue are guilty of this, but it means you aren’t paying attention where and when it’s due. Learn to leave your work at work and give your full attention on your home life and relationships. Not only you deserve it, but so does your family.
Similarly, when you are at work, your focus should be on the task at hand. This makes you more efficient and is one more factor that means you shouldn’t have to do those extra hours.
WE EXPERIENCE FEWER HEALTH PROBLEMS
Stress weakens our immune system which can affect your overall health and wellbeing, from something as simple as the flu to more serious conditions such as respiratory or digestive problems. On top of that, it is not uncommon to develop mental health conditions with prolonged exposure to high levels of stress.
Take the time to look after yourself by exercising, eating well and allocating time to relax, switch off and engage with your family & friends. These will all contribute to balancing out the daily stresses in our lives.
Work life balance is not a myth nor is it something you should be hoping to achieve at some distant point in the future. It is a ‘must have’ that you need to actively incorporate into everyday life. Its cliché but the reality is life is short … may as well make the most of it.
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