Work-Life Balance
Aflah Ul Haque
Digital Media & PR Consultant | Development Communications Expert | Media Advocacy Professional | Fundraising (CSR) & Partnerships Consultant
Most of us have experienced an unhappy work-life balance at some point. At least we have heard the boss says, "We can't have a work-life balance!" At times this is the message we get from our own family. The question remains, "How do you get your own family to work in the same manner?" Here are some tips to maintain a work-life balance so that you can enjoy family life too.
A work-life balance is easier to achieve if you have a balance between your personal and professional lives. Your priorities will change as a professional and as a family person. Family members need to understand this. You need to prioritize your needs so that they are not put on the back burner. This may mean planning early so that family events are not put on the back burner also.
If you are starting a new job or pursuing a career then you need to set up a work/life plan for the both of you. Prioritize your skills, what you will be doing, how much time you can spend with each other, your needs and your family priorities. Prioritize your careers too so that each of you has something to look forward to. Decide before you start what you will do when you get to your new jobs and in what capacity. There should be some things for both of you to look forward to once you settle into your new careers.
It is also important to set some boundaries for work life and leisure life. This will prevent boredom or resentment. Establish a balance between your work life and your life as well. Find out what works for you and your partner and maintain it.
You will also need to find out where you draw the line between work and free time. This is especially important if you have dependents. Work can affect everyone in different ways and there are bound to be those days when you need to feel like you can relax and let go. Work-life balance requires flexibility and a willingness to try new things.
Family life and friends can also play a part in this equation. Make sure that you spend some time with your friends and family. When you are at home relaxing or having fun you will have more energy and more time to think about your work. It can also help you recharge and re-energize. Your priorities need to be in order. Find what brings you the most joy.
You might also be tempted to ask, "What are the best tips to maintain a work-life balance?" In today's fast paced world, many people don't realize how little free time they actually have. It seems that the need to accomplish everything before the deadline comes springtime that they have to be fully pre-occupied with whatever they need to do. Take a moment to think about how much time you are actually spending with your family each day. If it's a lot, you need to re-evaluate how you spend your time.
You might also consider setting aside a certain time each day for yourself. For instance, you might set aside thirty minutes for yourself to read a chapter of a book. Or if you have trouble sleeping, you might schedule a few overnight hours for yourself to sleep. These are just a few suggestions. No matter what your personal situation is, there are definitely some great tips to maintain a work-life balance.
Many employers are now realizing that even their staffs need to be taken care of. They recognize that they will have employees that need assistance in order to be more efficient and productive on the job. So in an effort to attract and retain qualified staff, many companies are providing these services. What are the best tips to maintain a work-life balance?
One of the best tips to maintain a work-life balance is to develop good communication skills. Good communication skills allow you to express ideas in a clear and effective manner. They also allow you to resolve issues and concerns with ease. If you are having difficulty communicating with your boss or peers, consider speaking to a professional counselor. They may be able to provide you with some good advice for dealing with difficult situations.
Another great tip to maintain a work-life balance is to maintain an enjoyable working schedule. Scheduling your time is a great way to maintain a job. You can spend more time with your family or friends. Also, it helps you maintain productivity so that you are not constantly running around. So, what are the best tips to maintain a work-life balance?