What are the best ways to maintain work-life balance when working on-call?

2 Establish boundaries

While working on-call, you need to balance your availability with your privacy. You don't want to be constantly interrupted or distracted by non-urgent calls or messages, but you also don't want to miss important ones. Establish boundaries with your colleagues, clients, and family about when and how they can reach you, and what kind of issues require your immediate attention. Use tools like voicemail, auto-reply, do-not-disturb mode, or call forwarding to manage your incoming communications. Also, respect the boundaries of others who are working on-call, and only contact them for urgent or relevant matters.

3 Manage your time

Working on-call can make your time unpredictable and irregular, but that doesn't mean you can't manage it effectively. Try to create a routine that suits your on-call schedule, and stick to it as much as possible. For example, if you know you have to be on-call at night, adjust your sleeping and eating habits accordingly. If you have some downtime during the day, use it to catch up on your regular work, hobbies, or chores. If you have a busy on-call period, plan ahead and delegate or postpone some of your non-essential tasks. And don't forget to take breaks and recharge your energy.

4 Maintain your health

Working on-call can affect your physical and mental health, especially if you have to deal with stressful or demanding situations. To cope with the pressure and fatigue, you need to take care of your body and mind. Make sure you get enough sleep, eat well, exercise regularly, and drink plenty of water. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, or drugs that can interfere with your sleep quality or alertness. Also, find healthy ways to relax and unwind, such as meditation, yoga, music, reading, or spending time with loved ones.

5 Seek support

Working on-call can make you feel isolated or overwhelmed, especially if you have to work remotely or in different time zones. You don't have to go through it alone. Seek support from your colleagues, manager, friends, or family. Share your experiences, challenges, and achievements with them, and ask for their feedback, advice, or help. Join online communities or forums where you can connect with other professionals who work on-call, and learn from their tips and insights. And if you feel stressed, anxious, or depressed, don't hesitate to seek professional help or counseling.

Working on-call can be a rewarding and fulfilling part of your career, but it can also challenge your work-life balance. By following these tips, you can manage your on-call duties without compromising your well-being and happiness.