How a Healthy Work-Life Balance Provides Opportunity for Career Growth and Stability
A healthy work-life balance is crucial to any professional’s health and well-being, and will guarantee that you have room for both career growth and your family. Despite its importance, however, 60% of U.S. workers say they don’t have boundaries between their work responsibilities and their personal lives, Apollo Technical notes. For leaders across the board, the balance between a career and family life can be a challenge, though it’s not impossible. From the value of clear-cut boundaries to how organization and support can help, leaders can focus on a flourishing career and quality family time with ease.
Realistic boundaries are a must-have
For those who wish to create a healthier work-life balance, solid and sound boundaries will serve as the foundation for success. In regard to career growth, boundaries are particularly critical, as they will help prevent burnout in a productive way. An article from the Harvard Business Review (HBR) by Joe Sanok points out that highly driven individuals “may see a boundary as a personal failure or an attack on their ego,” though goes on to note that even the most ingrained behaviors are able to be unlearned via effective boundaries. The article goes on to recommend the labeling of boundaries as either ‘hard’ or ‘soft.’ For example, while hard boundaries are those that you are unwilling to compromise on (the time that you begin the workday, perhaps), soft boundaries are explained to be akin to wishes. “Think of them as goals you want to reach but are flexible around.”
From there, it’s important to determine your main priorities, both at work and at home. Perhaps you wish to devote an extra couple of hours each week to a work project, as well as routinely be there for your child’s sports practices and games. Through the creation of a list of your priorities, you can better determine how you can make things work. With that in mind, it’s crucial to be realistic. Extra hours at the office coupled with your presence at every one of your child’s extracurricular events, in addition to cooking and cleaning can lead to burnout over time, which will result in poor work performance and the inability to properly support your child due to the extra stress. In some cases, you may need to compromise with flexible adjustments (like remote work or an absence at a school function now and then) in order to meet your goals.
Organization — an underestimated yet powerful tool
Organization plays a critical role for leaders in high-stress positions who aim for a healthier work-life balance. Not only can organization help keep track of both work and family commitments, but can hold you accountable in the devotion of time to what really matters. Digital calendars and physical planners can go a long way in the maintenance of a healthy work-life balance, as they can lay your time out in a visual way. In turn, this can help you stay productive while providing an expectation for the days and weeks ahead. The online retailer Zulily worked with third-party researcher ENGINE in order to analyze the differences between planners and procrastinators, highlights a 2021 Forbes article. The results discovered that while both are driven by anxiety, planners showed “more control over their emotions, less stress and more positive emotional, health and life outcomes.”
Support can be a lifeline
Asking for help can be like a challenge for many leaders, though it can make a major difference for those who aim to successfully lighten their workload in the office or at home. In regard to the workplace, the stark consequences of long hours underline the value of ‘less is more.’ One study from the World Health Organization highlighted by a 2021 NPR article notes that individuals who work 55 hours or more each week have an estimated 35% higher risk of a stroke, and a 17% higher risk of dying from heart disease. This is in comparison to those who follow the widely accepted standard of 35 to 40 hours a week, the research highlights.
Whether you request a reduction in hours at the office or request that a family member step in to help at home, there are several ways that help can make a positive impact on your day to day. Over time, a lightened workload can help avoid long-term issues such as burnout — one study from the Pew Research Center points out that women who are breadwinners engage in more unpaid labor (like housework and childcare). Those who take on additional roles (such as caregiver to a loved one) can become even more strained. This can be especially difficult if your loved one requires around-the-clock care, in which case alternative options can be a beneficial consideration. For example, respite care offers a short-term solution for those whose carers may need a break, and provides peace of mind that your loved one is properly cared for in a safe and supportive environment. Even if for a short time, a break from care duties can help immensely, especially when the goal is to realign and find a long-term solution (such as another family member who can step in to help out).
Career growth is a priority for many professionals, though it can be difficult to attain for those who don’t have a healthy work-life balance. Through the prioritization of boundaries as well as strategies such as organization (and asking for help when it’s needed), leaders can avoid burnout and focus on goals in a healthy way.
