HOW TO KEEP YOUR WORK-LIFE BALANCE IN CHECK

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An ever-evolving world, new ways of working, and transforming business models mean you are always on the go. It can be difficult to keep up with the new era of work and still be mindful of your wellbeing. An equilibrium between the two spheres gives you space for your personal life while allowing you to maintain professional responsibilities. Keeping work and personal life separate is a skill not everyone finds easy. If you find it a challenge, follow the steps below to help you find a better balance.

1. Analyse and prioritise

The reason a large number of people fail to maintain a realistic work-life balance is that they don't manage their working time properly. If you feel this applies to you, look at how you prioritize your tasks. Are you regularly achieving your goals on time, or are you consistently late in delivering work? Also, consider what stimuli are disrupting your concentration and work rhythm. After a quick review, gradually try to eliminate them and record the effects it has on achieving your targets.

If you have difficulty managing tasks and allocating responsibilities correctly, use the Eisenhower Matrix below. By dividing what you need to do under the appropriate heading, you will quickly be able to determine the best order to tackle your tasks.

2. Working clever

Many people find flexible working methods a key part of maintaining a work-life balance. Don’t currently work remotely or in a hybrid format? If you think this could be of benefit and your organisation allows it, talk to your manager about whether it is suitable and present your proposal. Many organisations that introduced flexible working at the start of the pandemic are still using them today and find them effective.

Some professionals who find it difficult to achieve a work-life balance decided to make a more radical change in the way they work. This can especially apply if you have highly desirable skills and qualifications. Modern forms of employment, including B2B or freelancing, are becoming increasingly popular. Working on your own terms can make it easier to maintain a healthier work-life balance if you have the discipline, drive, and organisational skills.

3. Value your time

There may be times when working overtime is unavoidable, such as during the final stages of an advanced project or in an emergency. However, you need to know your limits, manage your schedule sensibly, and minimise the risk of working overtime. Take advantage of any opportunity where you can complete a task the following day. Again, using the priority matrix will help you here.

Ambitious people are especially vulnerable to pushing themselves as far as they can. It's important to be aware of the value of rest and the ability to set limits. After all, working overtime on a regular basis can lead to burnout and health problems.

4. Turning off after work

Taking work home is a behaviour that can affect work-life balance – the work device is the main culprit here. It might only take a minute to reply to a message, but this can lead you to checking your inbox constantly. Eventually, you will be distracted for a longer period of time, especially if longer conversations or additional tasks are involved.

Having a clearly defined separation of professional and private life means putting away the work mobile so you can fully recharge for the next day. Both you and your loved ones will get more satisfaction if you are mindful and present – not occupied by what lies waiting in your inbox.

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