Balance
Every working person has at one point felt the tug of personal life during the work day or the stress of a deadline while trying to spend a quiet weekend at home. Some people struggle to communicate their needs with coworkers and employers or loved ones while trying to respect their time and priorities. Some ways to address these work-life balance stressors are through flexibility, taking breaks, and understanding that there is no “perfect” balance.
Flexibility is key when it comes to weighing different priorities. There are some offices that need open communication at all times. Others require the ability to ask a few clarifying questions a day; not everyone needs to be in the same location at the same time. If someone is only in the office a few hours a day because of client meetings or an early school pickup, planning a mutually available time on both their calendars to get some face-time can be more efficient than sitting next to each other for eight hours a day. Sharing an office calendar and knowing colleagues’ schedules is a great way to maximize the time spent in the office together while honoring outside obligations. Life is full of surprises which cannot always be accommodated, but having open communication to address those unexpected appointments can help take them in stride.
Taking time to slow down and collect one’s thoughts is not always allowed by a fast-paced world, but something that might be even more important because of it. Just like with flexibility, open communication with colleagues is very important with this - not only to ensure that workflow continues, but that a month-long sabbatical isn’t planned during the busiest time of year. These breaks not only offer a chance for removal from everyday surroundings but can provide new experiences that help expand a person’s world view. This time away can also give colleagues the opportunity to take on a new responsibility or develop a skill that they would previously not have encountered. One of the most valuable skills in today’s system is the ability to learn and grow inside a changing work environment.
Understand that there may never be a perfect balance - the word “balance” is intentionally used in this conversation because the scale may tip to one side or the other as the weight distribution of work and personal life fluctuates. There may be deadlines at the office that carry over to stress at home, and there may be illnesses that cause absence from work. Balance is knowing that life may favor one side or the other but taking the time to make sure that each part is getting the energy it deserves is one of the best ways to keep from feeling overwhelmed. The happiness that comes from finding an equilibrium in both work and life can help ensure success in both areas.
Flexibility is key when it comes to weighing different priorities. There are some offices that need open communication at all times. Others require the ability to ask a few clarifying questions a day; not everyone needs to be in the same location at the same time. If someone is only in the office a few hours a day because of client meetings or an early school pickup, planning a mutually available time on both their calendars to get some face-time can be more efficient than sitting next to each other for eight hours a day. Sharing an office calendar and knowing colleagues’ schedules is a great way to maximize the time spent in the office together while honoring outside obligations. Life is full of surprises which cannot always be accommodated, but having open communication to address those unexpected appointments can help take them in stride.
Taking time to slow down and collect one’s thoughts is not always allowed by a fast-paced world, but something that might be even more important because of it. Just like with flexibility, open communication with colleagues is very important with this - not only to ensure that workflow continues, but that a month-long sabbatical isn’t planned during the busiest time of year. These breaks not only offer a chance for removal from everyday surroundings but can provide new experiences that help expand a person’s world view. This time away can also give colleagues the opportunity to take on a new responsibility or develop a skill that they would previously not have encountered. One of the most valuable skills in today’s system is the ability to learn and grow inside a changing work environment.
Understand that there may never be a perfect balance - the word “balance” is intentionally used in this conversation because the scale may tip to one side or the other as the weight distribution of work and personal life fluctuates. There may be deadlines at the office that carry over to stress at home, and there may be illnesses that cause absence from work. Balance is knowing that life may favor one side or the other but taking the time to make sure that each part is getting the energy it deserves is one of the best ways to keep from feeling overwhelmed. The happiness that comes from finding an equilibrium in both work and life can help ensure success in both areas.
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