What is a work-life balance?

Work-life balance is the mid-point between how much time and energy you put into your personal life and professional work life. Finding the right balance between the two helps to prevent burnout and reduce stress in the workplace, making you a more efficient and productive worker.

 

As remote work becomes a more integrated part of working life, the balance between work time and personal time may have been affected. Working from home (WFH) became the norm due to the coronavirus, but has that effected when you finish work and how long you work for? Many have found it difficult to switch off when working from home, replying to emails at all hours and doing extra work in their own time.

Here are 5 ways to make sure you have a healthy work life balance and keep your personal life in check.

 

  1. Take Your Leave Days

Research has shown that almost 40% of the UK workforce use only half of their annual leave entitlement and 13% of UK workers using only 20% of their entitlement. You are entitled by law to your time off and can maximise your holiday days by booking them around bank holidays and holiday periods at Easter and Christmas.

 

  1. Break Time

Take your full lunch break. Many of us are guilty of eating at our desks, but this can slow productivity and motivation during the day. Go to the gym, join lunchtime classes, read, go for a walk. Fresh air can help re-energise you and make you more creative.

 

  1. Establish Boundaries

It is important for you this year to set clear and realistic boundaries of where work stops, and your life starts. Set limits on what you will and won’t do at work and home. Communicate these boundaries at work to your team where necessary.

 

  1. Enquire About Flexible Working

Life just sometimes doesn’t fit between the standard 9-5 hours, and some people work better early in the morning or late at night. Ask if your place of work can offer flexible hours to suit your needs. Those who do maintain a successful balance between their often point to their flexible work schedules.

 

  1. Set goals and priorities

Have a to-do list and prioritise the most important and get those done when you are at your most productive. Avoid checking your emails and phone every few minutes, as those are distractions that lower your attention and productivity. Structuring your day can increase productivity at work, which can result in more free time to relax outside of work.