Work life balance refers to the division of one’s time and focus between work and personal responsibilities and activities.
Good work life balance means effectively prioritizing between career, family, friends, health, hobbies, and other aspects of life.
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Here is a guide on work life balance with 10 tips to improve it.
Definitions
- Work life balance: The division of one’s time and focus between work and personal life.
- Work life imbalance: When work takes up the majority of one’s time, focus and identity. This leads to stress, burnout and neglect in other areas of life.
What Does Good Work Life Balance Look Like?
Having a healthy work life balance means having:
- Time for work as well as family, friends, hobbies, exercise, relaxation, fun, etc.
- The ability to focus on the present moment, whether at work or during personal time.
- Low levels of stress about balancing commitments.
- A sense of fulfillment in both work and personal roles.
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5 Traits of Excellent Work Life Balance
People with excellent work life balance tend to have these traits:
- Strong time management skills – They plan and prioritize effectively.
- Assertive communication – They set boundaries and delegate tasks.
- Ability to compartmentalize – They can focus fully whether at work or at home.
- Supportive work environment – Their workplace offers flexibility and work-life policies.
- Fulfillment outside work – They have hobbies, socialize, exercise, etc.
7 Key Examples of Work Life Balance
- Leaving work on time to have dinner with family.
- Taking a weekend getaway with friends to de-stress.
- Blocking off time on your calendar for exercise.
- Saying no to extra projects when your plate is full.
- Using a lunch break to meditate and recharge.
- Scheduling date nights with your partner.
- Unplugging from work emails when spending time with kids.
10 Tips to Improve Your Work Life Balance
- Set boundaries – Decide specific work hours and stick to them. Don’t let work bleed into personal time.
- Take breaks – Schedule regular vacations, mental health days, and weekends off.
- Leave work at work – Don’t bring work home. Designate space for relaxing.
- Prioritize self-care – Make time for healthy meals, exercise, sleep, and fun.
- Delegate tasks – Don’t try to do everything yourself. Ask for help.
- Learn to say no – Only take on what you can reasonably handle.
- Unplug regularly – Disconnect from technology to be present.
- Pursue hobbies – Carve out time for activities you enjoy.
- Communicate needs – Be open with managers and colleagues about workload.
- Evaluate priorities – Focus on what’s truly important in both work and life.
For example, you can unplug from work emails for a set time on weekends to focus quality time with family and friends. Or block off your calendar for gym time so you don’t skip workouts.
5 Ways Managers Can Improve Employee Work Life Balance
- Offer flexible schedules and remote work options.
- Discourage overtime and weekend work.
- Provide generous vacation time and parental leave.
- Set reasonable performance goals.
- Model work life balance themselves.
Conclusion
Achieving greater work life balance requires setting boundaries, managing time, communicating needs, prioritizing self-care, delegating tasks, pursuing hobbies, and focusing on what’s most important.
With some effort, you can find harmony between your work and personal life.
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With 30+ years of experience, Catherine Fitzgerald, B.A., M.A., PGDip, founded Oak Innovation in 1995. Catherine received her Bachelor’s degree and Master’s from University College Cork. She holds qualifications in Professional Development And Training from University College Galway. She is completing a second Master’s from University College Cork. Since 1995, clients include Apple, Time Warner, and Harvard University.