Here's how you can maintain work-life balance and avoid burnout during times of change.

Indeed, prioritization is vital, particularly in a dynamic setting. One needs to constantly differentiate the urgent from the significant, ensuring that one invests one’s time where it is most needed. That doesn’t just apply to job tasks; I believe it’s also important to regularly make time for hobbies and personal tasks that improve your overall well-being. Prioritizing allows you to organize your time and avoid the stress that comes with having overpowering to-do lists. In accordance with my expertise as a change management leader, this method also helps maintain a smart work-life equilibrium and prevents burning out, which contributes to one’s overall level of productivity and gladness.

By identifying which tasks are most important and urgent, individuals can focus their energy and resources where they will have the greatest impact. This involves evaluating deadlines, goals, and the potential consequences of each task. Prioritization allows individuals to allocate their time and effort efficiently, ensuring that critical tasks are completed on time while less important ones are addressed later. By prioritizing tasks, individuals can reduce stress, increase productivity, and achieve their goals more effectively.

I know that setting boundaries and not trespassing them is easier said than done, especially in managerial roles and/or times of change, where we may think that we need to show full availability and commitment. But it is important to understand that we need to have a balanced life to be able to deliver our best on each front. Rest is a must, and one that, only from a pure performance angle, we and the companies that we work for, should ensure that takes place. Tired/burned out staff members is the last thing that a company wants. So, again, leaving aside for a second the importance of the work/life balance, we must encourage strongly everyone to define his red lines, and meet them. Managers have a key role in this, leading by example.

By defining clear limits on when and how work-related activities are conducted, individuals can create space for personal time, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Setting boundaries involves establishing specific working hours, delineating when work-related communication is acceptable, and learning to say no to unreasonable demands. These boundaries help individuals to protect their time, energy, and well-being, allowing them to recharge and focus on other aspects of their lives outside of work.

Having a fixed schedule is ideal but not always realistic in most organizations. If burnout is a concern, being vocal about your hours helps set expectations with others. Hours worked does not equal hours being productive. Therefore, focus on what outcomes you are hoping to achieve each day over anything else.

Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life by defining specific work hours and non-work hours. Communicate these boundaries to your colleagues and supervisors and prioritize activities that promote your well-being outside of work. Manage your time effectively by prioritizing tasks based on importance and urgency, and allocate time for both work-related responsibilities and personal activities.

Flexibility involves being open-minded and adaptable in response to unexpected challenges, opportunities, or changes in priorities. It requires letting go of rigid expectations and being willing to adjust plans or strategies as needed. By embracing flexibility, individuals can reduce stress and anxiety associated with unforeseen events, allowing them to approach situations with a sense of resilience and creativity. Flexibility also enables individuals to better balance competing demands, such as work commitments and personal responsibilities, by finding alternative solutions or adjusting timelines.

Open communication involves expressing thoughts, feelings, and concerns honestly and respectfully, while also actively listening to others. By communicating openly, individuals can clarify expectations, resolve conflicts, and build stronger connections with colleagues, friends, and family members. Open communication promotes transparency, which can help prevent misunderstandings and miscommunication. It also encourages a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and heard.

maintaining work-life balance and preventing burnout during times of change involves open communication while considering the needs of neurodivergent workers. Encouraging employees to voice their concerns and preferences facilitates a supportive environment where individual needs are acknowledged and accommodated. Implementing flexible work arrangements and providing resources for stress management and self-care supports the diverse needs of neurodivergent workers, helping them navigate change without sacrificing well-being. By fostering a culture of transparency, empathy, and proactive support, organizations can mitigate burnout and promote sustainable work-life harmony for all employees.

This may include activities such as exercise, meditation, spending time in nature, engaging in hobbies, and seeking social support. By prioritizing self-care, individuals can recharge their energy, reduce stress, and prevent burnout. Self-care also enhances self-awareness and emotional regulation, empowering individuals to cope with difficult situations more effectively. Additionally, practicing self-care fosters a sense of self-compassion and self-worth, which are essential for building resilience and maintaining a positive outlook on life.

Reflecting on what Wellbeing exactly means to you, and what it might mean for others and the society at large, can be an interesting exercice. Indeed, burnout is sometimes, if not often, the result of deep-seated issues that require time to address. There's no pressure to take this time for oneself, but a serious path to consider at least once in a lifetime.

Reflect and seek support from friends, family members, or a professional coach if you're feeling overwhelmed or experiencing symptoms of burnout. Talking to someone can provide perspective, validation, and guidance on how to manage stress effectively. Remember that work-life balance is an ongoing process that requires mindful attention and effort. By prioritising self-care, setting boundaries, and managing your time effectively.

At the end of the day, given things could be overwhelming with constant changes & in a rushed mode, here are some considerations: 1. Be VERY DISCIPLINED when managing your time at work & after work. Try 8 hours of sleep, 8 hours of work, 8 hours of play/personal time each day of 24 hours. 2. Learn to SAY "No" WITH A SMILE. You can be helpful but you can't be expected to take on more than you can chew! 3. Be PRAGMATIC & REALISTIC. You can't ever finish all your work even if you worked 24x7! Not everything is urgent all at the same time! 4. Apply the 80-20 RULE. Don't allow EXCEPTIONS to become the GENERAL RULE! 5. Be FIRM but FAIR. You need to be a GREAT TEAM PLAYER when implementing change. But EVERYTHING has a LIMIT.

Make time for #fun! Find what brings you joy and schedule that time in your calendar and protect that time like you would a meeting with a senior executive at your firm or a client. If you like reading, spend some time during the day to pick up that book and get through a couple of chapters. Reach out to a friend to grab lunch one day this week. For me, it's anything that pulls at the nostalgia strings and so later today I'll be setting aside some time to play Pokémon Gold on my old Gameboy Colour.

Embrace technology Technology will be a great enabler to survive the rapid phase of change. Develop self confidence Don’t rely on your memory alone, make it a habit to writing things. This could be great ideas or steps to resolving life’s greatest challenges. Learn to celebrate or pause for a moment to reflect or enjoy life around you.