Work-life balance in business / Photo Škoda
The balance between work and personal life seems natural until it starts to be disrupted: a work call in the evening, a delayed lunch or additional tasks. This creates a feeling that work is gradually replacing everything else. It is important for a leader to recognize this process in time and work to restore balance.
A manager must monitor not only his work-life balance, but also create all the conditions so that his employees are not overloaded and are able to separate work and personal life, writes Yahoo Finance.
Business 24, in partnership with Škoda, tells how to maintain work-life balance and create a corporate culture for subordinates that does not involve overwork.
How to recognize the first cracks in your work-life balance?
Work-life balance is the ratio of the time a person spends at work to the time they spend with their family and doing what they enjoy.
Work-life balance is a state where professional activities are harmoniously combined with personal needs, without sacrificing health, family, recreation, or self-development for the sake of work. However, such a balance is not always easy to achieve.
American psychologist Amy Sullivan notes that sometimes work, from being something that brings value and joy to people, turns into a stressor that harms health and relationships. She draws attention to several signs that may indicate a violation of work-life balance.
- Neglecting one's own needs. A person works at a computer without interruption, forgetting about movement, water, or basic rest.
- Problems with sleep and nutrition. You may fall asleep late or have trouble sleeping at all, your diet may not be given proper attention, and eating full meals may become rare.
- Loss of motivation. Work is no longer enjoyable, there is a feeling that the person is not doing well enough. There is a desire to avoid tasks and communication.
- Lack of real rest. Even on weekends or at night, the employee checks his/her email and responds to messages.
- Inability to take a break. A person may be convinced that they do not have the right to even a short break, constantly control processes and do not delegate responsibilities to colleagues.
Overwork negatively affects the quality of life / Photo by Pexels
How can you restore your work-life balance?
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is important for overall health and well-being, says Rita M. Rivera, PhD, a psychologist.
In an article for Psychology Today, she gives some practical tips that can help restore balance between these areas of life:
- Set boundaries . Set a specific end time for your workday and stick to it. Avoid checking email and completing tasks after hours.
- Plan and manage your time . Use calendars, to-do lists, and time management tools to balance your workload and leave room for rest. Don't overwork your schedule.
- Take care of your health . Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep increase efficiency and help maintain emotional stability.
- Make the most of your vacation . Breaks from work are essential for recovery. Plan your vacation and allow yourself to completely disconnect from work.
- Work on your ability to say “no.” You can't do everything. Turn down tasks that aren't a priority or that might throw you off balance.
Balance helps avoid professional burnout at work / Photo by Pexels
How can a leader create a culture of work-life balance in their company?
It is important for a manager to care about the work-life balance of his employees, writes Forbes. To do this, he can:
1. Remind your team to go offline
It's a simple reminder to leave your work devices at home during your downtime. Such consideration is truly appreciated.
2. Create a space for employees to communicate
You can organize joint events – celebrations, book clubs, team lunches. It is also worth emphasizing that the lunch break is a necessity, not a luxury.
3. Inform employees about their rights and bonuses
It is important to remind employees of their right to sick leave and vacation. The manager can set an example through their own behavior, as workaholics often feel guilty and ashamed when they take even a few days off.
4. Communicate with subordinates about their feelings
If a leader regularly asks about the well-being of their subordinates, it can have a positive impact on the entire team. It is also important to pay attention to indirect signals of overwork or stress. You may have to read between the lines what was not said.
5. Develop a comfortable corporate culture
It is important not to expect immediate responses outside of work hours. Your manager can be the first to make it clear that messages in the evening will wait until the next business day.
Planning your day helps avoid stress / Photo by Pexels
Škoda Octavia is another need for balance
In maintaining a balance between work and personal life, everyday little things also play an important role – comfort and reliability of movement. All this is combined in the Škoda Octavia :
- Comfort on daily trips . The spacious interior and ergonomic seats reduce fatigue even during a busy workday.
- Modern safety and driver assistance systems . Intelligent assistants support concentration behind the wheel.
- Technological and digital solutions . A convenient multimedia system and integration with a smartphone help you effectively manage your time and stay connected without unnecessary overload.
- Economy and reliability . Rational fuel consumption and thoughtful engineering solutions allow you to optimize costs.
- Spacious trunk and practicality . Ideal for both work trips and family weekend trips, maintaining harmony between professional and personal goals.
- Understated modern design . The car emphasizes its leadership status while remaining versatile and appropriate in any context.
The Škoda Octavia is both the embodiment of success and comfort for your work-life balance.