How to improve work-life balance
You’ve probably heard the motto ‘Work hard, play hard’, which sounds exciting, but in practice is difficult to sustain. In fact, finding the right balance between work commitments and personal life is crucial for physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. For many, that means having enough time outside of work to relax and recharge.
Whether it’s pursuing hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or doing nothing at all, having time away from work can help reduce stress and improve your overall happiness.
In this article, we look at what a healthy work-life balance looks like and why it’s important, and take a look at useful work-life balance strategies that you can implement at home and work.
What is work-life balance?
Work-life balance means that you have the right mix of time spent on work-related responsibilities versus time spent enjoying your life outside of work. It means when you’re not working, you’re able to 'switch off' and be present in your personal life.
Employees who find the right balance are often less stressed, more productive and happier at work. It means they can meet all their work commitments and personal responsibilities, while still enjoying downtime.
Causes of poor work-life balance
There are a number of factors that contribute to poor work-life balance depending on the industry and role that you’re in. Here are just a few:
Technology and constant connectivity
Being accessible 24/7 by phone, email and instant messaging platforms like Slack means the line between work and personal life is often blurred. It’s easy to answer a few emails after work hours, check on project updates, or respond to messages from colleagues and bosses.
Work hours
Many jobs have moved towards flexible work schedules, with working hours outside of the traditional 9am to 5pm. There are also jobs that require you to work irregular hours, such as shift work. When you’re not on a consistent schedule, it can be hard to plan or make commitments in your personal life.
Demanding job responsibilities
High-stress jobs with demanding responsibilities that require constant attention can lead to burnout. Pressure to meet high targets or tight deadlines can lead to you work longer hours and on your regular days off.
Lack of flexibility in work schedule
If you have a rigid work schedule, with limited or no option to adjust your working hours or work remotely, you may struggle to manage personal commitments. A lack of flexibility can make it hard to juggle personal commitments when they arise.
Importance of good work-life balance
The benefits of maintaining a healthy work-life balance go well beyond having time to relax. Here are a few work-life balance examples of why it’s so important.
Reduced stress and burnout
Striking a healthy balance between work and your personal life can help reduce stress and prevent burnout. Being able to take a break from work both mentally and physically, and spend time doing things that ‘fill your cup’ can help improve your overall wellbeing.
Improved physical and mental health
A good work-life balance makes it easier for you to lead a healthy lifestyle, allowing time for regular exercise, preparing your own meals, spending time outdoors, and making sure you get enough sleep. Doing activities that you enjoy and connecting with friends and family also have a positive impact on your emotional and mental wellbeing.
Increased job satisfaction and productivity
Work-life balance mean that you can rest outside of working, often leading to greater productivity during your working hours. Having a consistent and manageable work schedule can also lead to greater job satisfaction, with reduced stress levels and risk of burnout.
Better relationships with family and friends
The right work-life balance will allow you to spend quality time with family and friends. Whether it’s time at home with loved ones or being able to make it to celebrations and other family gatherings, having a great work-life balance means you can maintain these relationships.
Work-life balance strategies and tips
Achieving the perfect harmony of work and personal life takes a proactive approach. Here are some tips on how to balance work and life.
Set boundaries between work and personal life
Establish clear boundaries to separate work from your personal time. This could include setting specific work times and making sure you leave work no later than your official finishing time. You may also find things like setting your phone to Do Not Disturb helps you avoid being pulled into work-related activities after hours.
Prioritise tasks and manage time effectively
Time management is essential for balancing work and personal life. It helps you work efficiently to meet deadlines within designated hours, leaving you free to enjoy your downtime. Prioritise tasks based on their importance and due dates, and use tools like to-do lists and calendars to stay organised.
Take breaks and prioritise self-care
Taking regular breaks throughout the workday can help you maintain focus and productivity. Self-care should be a priority, so ensure you’re looking after yourself by scheduling time for activities that promote wellbeing, such as a walk during your lunch break or getting outside for some fresh air at least once a day.
Communicate with your employer about work-life balance needs
Communicating openly with your employer about work-life balance needs can help lead to positive changes. Whether you’re looking to make your schedule more flexible or lighten your workload, think about your needs and how you can implement them to create better balance in your life.
Use flexible work arrangements when possible
Take advantage of any flexible arrangements your employer offers, such as working from home, reduced hours, or job-sharing opportunities. Working from home can be a great solution for those seeking better work-life balance, eliminating time you'd spend commuting and allowing you to fit more into your day.
Delegate tasks and responsibilities when appropriate
Delegating tasks can help reduce your workload and stress, not to mention it's also a valuable leadership skill. By trusting colleagues to handle certain responsibilities and tasks, you can better manage your own workload.
Engage in hobbies and leisure activities outside of work
Find hobbies and leisure activities that you are interested in and that allow you to relax and unwind from work. Do you enjoy playing sports? Or prefer to unwind with a good book? Doing things you enjoy can boost your mood and also improve your mental and physical health.
Get support from family, friends, or professionals
Sometimes work is stressful no matter how hard you try to find balance. Don’t hesitate to seek support from family, friends or professionals (your workplace might offer free employee support programs) if you’re finding it hard to balance work and family life.
Finding a balance between work and personal life is essential for your wellbeing. Downtime is essential to avoiding burnout, reducing stress and maintaining your physical and mental health.
Make sure you take regular breaks, use flexible work arrangements where possible, delegate tasks to others if you can, and manage your work time efficiently. And if your work-life balance still isn’t quite right, reach out for support from your employer or ask a trusted friend for advice. Ultimately, a different role, company or employment type could be the answer.
FAQs
What are the signs of poor work-life balance?
Some signs that you might have poor work-life balance include:
Constant fatigue
High stress levels
Constant illness
Difficulty concentrating
Strained relationships
Lack of time for personal activities
Difficulty sleeping
How can Australian employers support work-life balance for their employees?
Australian employers can support work-life balance by offering flexible work arrangements, encouraging regular breaks and providing resources for employee wellbeing such as free counselling. They should also promote a healthy work culture by encouraging employees to leave the workplace on time and not requesting an unreasonable amount of overtime.
Can technology help or hinder work-life balance in Australia?
Technology can both help and hinder work-life balance, depending on how it’s used. Technology such as cloud-based applications and emails allow us to work remotely while still collaborating with colleagues. However, being constantly connected can also blur the lines between work and personal life, making it hard to switch off completely. Setting boundaries and using technology mindfully can help maintain a healthy balance.
What are some common challenges to achieving work-life balance in Australia?
Some of the challenges to achieving work life balance are:
Long work hours
Irregular hours or shift work
Demanding or unreasonable workloads
Lack of flexibility
Long commutes
Constant connectivity
How can Australians assess their current work-life balance?
When assessing your current work-life balance, start by reflecting on your stress levels and whether they’re impacting your everyday life. Then consider your satisfaction with work and personal life and the amount of time you spend on leisure activities. Identifying areas of imbalance can help you develop approaches to improve your overall wellbeing.