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How To Improve Your Work-Life Balance

Striking a balance between work and personal life isn’t easy, but it is extremely important to most of us. In fact, a strong reason why many employees stay with their employer is for work-life balance.

It’s proven that those with a better work-life balance, feel more fulfilment and are usually happier. You are more likely to feel in control of your life because you have choices as opposed to being forced to make sacrifices.

You’re also likely to be less stressed and as a result be healthier, both mentally and physically. So, if you are feeling stressed or overworked, there are a number of changes you can consider to better your work-life balance.

Assess your time management and prioritisation skills

Firstly you should look at how you work now and decide what balance looks like to you. Secondly, do you manage your workload within normal working hours? If not could you achieve the same results with better time management and prioritisation?

Consider flexible working

There are a number of flexible working options that employers utilise that could work for you. One such arrangement is that of flex-place working such as telecommuting, working from home or other office locations.

Whilst working from home presents obvious benefits and reduces the time taken to commute, it’s not for everyone. There are various jobs where face-to-face interaction, presence in the office or sensitivity of information means it simply isn’t an option.

Staying motivated is also a big challenge for those who work from home. It’s easy to get distracted by things around the house or interrupted by family. One has to have self-discipline to structure their day and establish an effective routine. It can also be very isolating and people should be aware they can feel very lonely.

If working from home doesn’t sound like you, flexi-working hours could be an alternative solution. Flexi-hours can allow you to plan your schedule more effectively and avoid peak hour commuting, resulting in increased productivity and less hours lost.

Reduced hours, compressed working weeks, part-time work or job sharing are also options if you are in a position to or have demands outside of work that require you to reduce your hours.

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach as the balance is different for everyone. Ultimately, flexible working policies can improve your work-life balance so decide what suits you best and talk to your employer about what options are available.

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AUTHOR

Christine Wright

Senior Vice President, Hays US

Christine Wright is responsible for the growth and expansion of the Central and West US Region and leading national strategic projects. This is the latest function in her extensive 25-year career with Hays where she has lead the establishment, turnaround and management of high performing businesses across 4 continents. Prior to her current role Christine was the Managing Director of the Asia region where she was responsible for the day to day operational management and significant growth of Hays in Japan, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and India. Christine has also played key roles in the management of Hays’ business in Australia and in the United Kingdom. She holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Statistics and Computing, has attended business programs at IMD, Ashridge, De Ruwenburg business schools and is a member of the Director Institute of Australia. Christine lives in Denver with her husband and is an executive mentor in her spare time.