Every organization has its objectives laid that ought to be met.  This has pushed both the employees and their employers to stretch out their capabilities to live out to their clients’ expectations.  Extending work hours beyond the standard eight hours limit and working late into the night are but a few ways that have been adopted for companies’ excellent performance. If there is no balance struck, vital aspects of life like relationships, health, and efficiency at the workplace will be significantly affected hence the need to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

The ability to equally juggle between career demands and personal life expectations is admirable.  Though easier said than done, maintaining balance requires discipline and commitment as it fails to be a one-off task. However, regardless of how impossible it may appear, it is doable. An overwhelmed person often feels drained, is unhappy, and ends up being dissatisfied.  This in turn affects their productivity as they are unable to execute their roles diligently. Beyond productivity and the work attitude, their health is at risk. It is therefore vital to balance between your life and work as it helps reduce burnouts that are a recipe for stress and depression, improve productivity, reduce turnover, and generally enhance one’s well-being.

With all the benefits at stake, we need to understand how to go about it. Both the employee and employer have a role to play.

Tips for Employees

1. Structure time at work.  Set goals and priorities and learn to stick to them. Know what time you are highly productive at work and block that time for your work-related activities. Minimize any activities that tend to waste time as this will help you achieve your target within the desired time frame
2. Take the initiative to encourage a work-life balance at your workplace if it is not happening.  This will require you to have a few tough conversations with your supervisors and employers
3. Let go of perfectionism.
4. Unplug to create time for self and family. Unfortunately, regardless of the extra hours you put in at work to achieve the company’s goals, you are replaceable. The company will not miss a beat if you are gone tomorrow. Therefore, invest your time wisely!!
5. Exercise and meditate
6. Set boundaries. Once you have clocked out, switch your mind from work-related matters
7. Find a job you love as it will be easier to maintain the balance. In case the environment or your boss is toxic, it is okay to resign
8. Prioritize your health
9. Take a vacation. Have some time off to relax and rejuvenate so you can improve your productivity
10. Set goals and priorities and learn to stick to them. Know what time you are highly productive at work and block that time for your work-related activities. Minimize any activities that tend to waste time as this will help you achieve your target within the desired time frame

Tips for Employers

1. Set a good example for your employees. Unbeknownst to some employers, the employees tend to follow the lead.
2. Have defined business hours for clients. It will help release the staff on time so that they can have their quality time
3. Focus more on productivity rather than hours
4. Flexibility for working parents. Encouraging them to leave on time and if possible, work remotely so that they can have adequate family time
5. Having a space to unwind outside the usual office space
6. Trusting the employees enough by allowing them the space to provide value and production on their time as long as they adhere to the stipulated timelines
7. Encourage vacation time or rest time. A well-rested employee is productive
8. Inquire from the employees what they will need to find balance and be productive
9. Empower the employees by educating them on the need to have a life outside work

The term work-life balance may mean different things to different people. Regardless of your definition, create balance for your well-being. At such a time as this where family time and mental health is crucial, knowing how well to move about your day ought to be a priority.