Well, we’ve heard that work is worship. Our earnings help put food on the table and ensure the rainy day pot is full. Nevertheless, a healthy work-life balance seems to be tilting more towards the work side in this fast-paced business world. The rapid growth of technology and social media has made it difficult to mark the boundaries between work and personal life.
Long hours at work and less time for rest lead to burnout, so a healthy work-life balance is best for both employees and employers.
Why focussing on work-life balance is essential for an organization?
A healthy work-life balance significantly improves the well-being and productivity of employees. Organizations that encourage work-life balance have become more attractive, draw valuable talent pools, and retain them.
An Oxford Economic study points out that it costs an average of £30,000 to replace an employee. With this thought, it would be easier if an organization focused on improving the work-life balance to draw in and retain talented employees.
Besides boosting, retention rates giving importance to work-life balance will ensure a high level of in-house talent and help save time and money.
Benefits of work-life balance
The benefits of work-life balance are beneficial both to you and your organization. Here’s a lowdown of work-life benefits.
- Fewer health issues
- Higher productivity
- Few burnouts
- Increased mindfulness
Powerful Tips for a Healthy Work-life Balance
#1. Let go of perfectionism.
Imagine this scenario you are highly productive at work, finish everything on time, come home early and spend happy evenings with your family.
It may seem ideal but not always possible. To maintain a healthy work-life balance, strive for a realistic schedule rather than a perfect one. Some days your kids may need your more, on other days you have to concentrate more on work projects. Thereupon it’s essential to remain fluid and assess your goals because work-life balance is achieved over time and not in a day.
#2. Focus on your health
Overworking yourself does more harm than good to your health. Prioritizing your health makes you more efficient and highly productive. Go in for therapy sessions if you’re feeling depressed or anxious. If you’re battling any chronic disease, call in sick when you’re unwell.
In the same way, try to unplug now and then. Switch off your work mode and try something entirely different––like focus on your hobbies. Giving yourself a break prevents you from burnout and significantly improves your health. Prioritizing your well-being makes you a better employee and improves your quality of life.
#3. Take vacations
Vacations are a great time to recuperate and recharge. They are a basic need and not a luxury. Whether your vacation consists of a single day or a week, the critical factor is that you must completely unplug from your work scenario to recharge mentally.
Taking a vacation helps bond with loved ones, relieves stress and improves productivity, enhances focus and concentration, improves sleep quality, and minimizes the risk of heart diseases.
The State of American Vacation Study states that 52 percent of employees said they had unused vacation days because they were worried that taking a break would disrupt the workflow. Experts stress that proper planning ensures that you don’t need to contend a considerable workload when your return.
#4. Get some family time.
While your job is vital, it should not become your entire life. Always remember that everyone is replaceable at work. No matter how well you perform, you’ll be replaced by someone new the next instant if you’re gone. Knowing this will help you realize the value of your loved ones, and subsequently, you can plan and create a calendar for family dates.
At first, it may seem weird to plan dates to meet someone you live with, but it helps you spend some quality time with your loved ones. Likewise, create a life outside of your work bubble, plan and allocate time for your hobbies. A hobby can improve skills you knew you never had.
Investing time in a hobby improves your networking skills, communication skills, design skills, and creative skills. Who knows, your next job promotion may be linked to your hobby.
#5. Set boundaries for work hours
The primary purpose of work-life balance is to avoid burnout. Setting boundaries between your personal and office hours will ensure healthy relationships and a peaceful state of mind. Avoid thinking about work emails and work-related projects when you’re spending time with your spouse or kids.
Determine specific work times whether you work away from home or at home. If possible, have a separate computer or phone for work. And switch off when you’re not working. If that’s not possible, use different browsers, emails, or filters for your work and personal things.
Also, notify your team manager and colleagues about your time limits. This action will ensure they respect your workplace limits, and you’ll have quality time for your activities.
#6. Take short breaks throughout the day.
The human brain can focus for up to 2 hours and then need around half an hour break. Therefore, you need to give yourself short breaks to be more productive. The human body was not designed to sit and stare at a bright screen for hours together.
Moreover, it’s not good for physical and mental well-being; therefore, take mini-breaks, move up from your place, and socialize. Consider taking walking meetings outside the office.
Go out as a team to enjoy a cup of coffee. Participate in team sports or any meditation sessions that your company offers.
#7. Set goals and priorities
Put your time management skills to good use. Block off the time when you’re more productive and concentrate on important work assignments.
Stop checking your emails and other messages every few minutes. It will ultimately distract you and affect your work quality.—Plan and structure your day for work projects, personal hobbies, family time, and relaxation.
Though you may not achieve a perfect balance slowly, you’ll see improvements in all spheres and enjoy better life quality.
Wrapping up
Experts say achieving work-life balance is a deliberate action. Proper planning, patience, and persistence make a healthy work-life balance possible. So keep trying until you get a hold of it. For more tips and guidance on well-being, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our well-being experts. Our experts will help you achieve work-life balance effectively.