Work vs Life: Finding your equilibrium
For me, having a strong work-life balance is the key to how we succeed in our professional and personal lives. This has been true throughout my career and is now more important than ever. Only by spending time with my loved ones and enjoying life outside of work, can I do my job effectively and, most importantly, find the right balance to engage fully at work and at home. What truly matters to me are the teams around me, and creating strong support networks for each other.
I am impressed by the collaboration that I have seen around the world in recent weeks, with our teams working together to address the global pandemic with one common aspiration: to continue to deliver for patients. This mentality creates an environment where we can bring our whole selves to work, because I know that is how we will do our best, for each other and for patients.
While digital technology has allowed us to transition to working remotely, the new set-up has not come without its challenges. We have all seen complications from working at home in recent weeks. My biggest concern has been the lack of distinction between personal and professional lives. With laptops and phones constantly by our sides, it is easy for everything to blur into one.
I also find as a working parent that I am tempted to compensate for interruptions during the day – for example, when I help my two small boys with their homeschooling – by working later into the evening. It is much harder to maintain a true balance.
So, how can we balance work-life and personal-life during these unprecedented times? While I do not have all the answers, I would recommend a few things:
- It is ok to ask for help. If you are struggling, let someone know. It can make all the difference to have a strong support network.
- Stay grounded in your values. Remember what is important to you and be bold at prioritizing.
- Give yourself a break. Literally and figuratively. Do not be too hard on yourself and take a break when you need it. If you are working from home, use your commute time to spend time recharging, doing something that helps you feel refreshed.
No one can do it on their own. If we can come together, we will get through this together and emerge stronger than ever before.
Learning & Capability Building, Talent & Inclusion Manager at Nestle IT EUR
4 年Thank you. It is great when senior women share so honestly and transparently. Very inspirational. Now if just a few men would do the same ...... ;-)
Co-creates empathic solutions to transform health outcomes as a Director of Novartis ■ Ignites synergy for social and economic impact as Chair of the Swiss Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (SwissCham PH)
4 年Thanks Marie France Tschudin for a truly timely article. As the Philippines enters day 139 of the lockdown, the question I constantly ask myself is when do I switch off? It is reassuring for working moms to learn from your insights that what matter most during these challenging times are people and teams, and creating strong support networks #worklifeintegration #waysofworking
Global Healthcare Strategy & Commercial Leader | General Medicines, Oncology, Vaccines & Generics | Global Citizen | Top 40 Under 40
4 年Thanks for sharing and very well said Marie France Tschudin Great to see you reflect on a very important topic during the pandemic. Work life balance and empathy critical on how we deal / come out from this period. Special thanks to you for also “walking the talk”
Strategic Accounts Manager Head
4 年Thank you for sharing Marie France. It’s so true that balance is fundamental :) And it is true, as well, that Novartis really reinforce behaviors that allows us to never forget that.