WORK LIFE BALANCE Vs WORK LIFE FIT

Gone are the days of work life balance, now it is the trend of Work Life Fit where each employee started concentrating on the fact if the work suits their mental health and is he growing in his/her career.

Work-Life Fit means prioritizing both your personal life and work life. It might not always be a perfect balance, but there's enough of a balance to have an improved quality of life and mentally fit to perform work responsibilities.

Now let's look at what work-life Fit is all about and why it is important, and share my tips for achieving a work-life Fit as you keep working.

Why Work-Life Fit Is Important For Employers And Employees

A good work-life fit means you can partition your professional and personal life better. This includes finishing your professional tasks for the day or week and still having enough time and energy to spend on other things, including your hobbies and family.

People often ignore the downfalls of a stressful or demanding work environment. According to a 2015 Deloitte Survey of 1,000 full-time U.S. professionals, 77% of respondents had experienced burnout at their present job, and more than half had experienced it more than once. According , Health Canal's research, showing that "untreated workplace mental illness costs the US 3.7 trillion dollars each year.

In my experience, spending too much time on work and too little time on my personal life has the potential to impact my mental health and potentially cause me to have negative thoughts about my job.

? A healthier work-life balance could allow you to be more productive. If you do not feel overwhelmed, you may be able to do your duties better. Research discussed in the Harvard Business Review (paywall) suggests that measures that support work-life balance can increase productivity.

? A good work-life balance can also help support one's emotional, mental and physical well-being by providing you with the opportunity to take part in activities that bring joy, reduce stress and promote healthy habits, including setting aside time for family or doing self-care.

? A Prudential survey (via Forbes) found that of employees who were planning to look for a new job once the pandemic was over, 38% cited work-life balance as a reason.

Tips For Achieving A Better Work-Life Balance In 2024:

1. Set A Realistic Schedule

Spend about 8 hours at work daily. Some jobs demand longer hours to meet KPIs, eating into free time, especially if salaried with no overtime pay. Discuss with employer for a realistic schedule giving more control and free time. Prepare for the conversation: Outline burnout reasons and propose solutions like needing more help, workload change, or a vacation. Be honest and open with your boss to ensure action is taken.

2. Focus On Your Well-Being

Amidst busy work life, prioritize personal well-being. Check physical, mental, and emotional aspects regularly. Schedule "me" time, placing reminders visibly. Disconnect from mobile devices for self-focus. Engage in relaxation activities like meditation, reflection, exercise, painting, reading, or crafting.

3. Say 'No'

Adding tasks won't reduce stress; take breaks for well-being. It's okay to say "no" when overwhelmed. Saying "no" isn't personal; express willingness to help, explain limitations, and suggest alternatives if possible.

4. Take Breaks

While your company may prioritize long hours, remember the importance of personal time. Allocate time for family and "me" moments for reflection. Communicate these breaks to ensure workplace understanding and respect.

5. Create A Work-From-Home Routine

Maintaining productivity while working from home can be challenging. Establish working hours, designate a workspace, and follow a routine for better work-life balance. Employers should acknowledge the importance of family time, even in remote work setups. Providing vacation time allows employees to recharge, ultimately enhancing performance.

Share your comments and feedback if the above tips helped to overcome your Work Life Fit challenges.