It may seem weird to plan one-on-one time with someone you live with, but it will ensure that you spend quality time with them without work-life conflict.

Set boundaries for yourself and your colleagues to avoid burnout. When you leave the office, avoid thinking about upcoming projects or answering company emails. Consider having a separate computer or phone for work so you can shut it off when you clock out.

Additionally, Chancey recommended setting specific work hours. Chancey advised notifying team members and your manager about boundaries beyond which you cannot be accessible because you are engaged in personal activities. Set achievable goals by implementing time-management strategies, analyzing your to-do list and cutting out tasks that have little value.

Pay attention to when your most productive work time is, and block that time off for your most important work-related activities.

Avoid checking your emails and phone every few minutes, as those are major time-wasting tasks that derail your attention and productivity. Structuring your day can increase productivity at work, which can result in more free time to relax outside of work.

Those who do maintain a successful balance between their professional and personal lives often point to their flexible work arrangements. Recent research found that over the past several years, many employers have allowed workers greater flexibility both with their schedule and where they work, a trend that has increased following the COVID pandemic.

Flexibility can pay off for employers in the long run. The key is finding a flexible arrangement that works for your own individual needs. A FlexJobs study found that 87 percent of employees said that being given the option of working from home positively affected their work-life balance.

Beyond working remotely, other options such as flex time, mental health days , reduced hours or a compressed work schedule might be appropriate. Figure out what will best help and communicate your needs to your employer. If you want better work-life balance, you need flexibility in your job.

Not sure where to start? Read our guide to the 20 best jobs for flexibility. The goal of a healthy work-life balance is to succeed at work and at the same time lead a fulfilling personal life.

If an imbalance exists and too much of your time and energy is devoted to work, it will lead to negative consequences in almost every area of your life. A Mental Health America and FlexJobs study found that 76 percent of people said workplace stress negatively impacts their mental health, leading to challenges like depression and anxiety.

But they found that having flexible work options, an indicator of good work-life balance, results in employees reporting better mental health. Apart from impacting mental health, the stress caused by a work-life imbalance can also lead to a variety of physical health issues.

A CDC report on stress at work notes that demanding jobs can result in a host of problems, such as cardiovascular disease as well as musculoskeletal and psychological disorders. The report also notes that there is some evidence that work-related stress might be a factor in ulcers, cancer and impaired immune function.

A healthy work-life balance not only reduces stress, which can help prevent disease, but it also allows you to prioritize your health by making time to exercise and eat a healthy diet.

A poor work-life balance has serious consequences for your health, but spending too much time and energy on work can actually negatively affect your work performance.

On top of that, they are missing around eight days of work a year because of mental health issues. But, a study in the Kansas Journal of Medicine found that employer efforts to reduce stress and increase employee psychological well-being lead to higher performance.

Working with your employer to find flexible arrangements that allow for a better work-life balance will help make you a more productive and more valuable employee. A Gallup report shows that 77 percent of employees are not engaged at work, leading to high costs for the company and increased stress for employees.

In fact, employee engagement has 3. Finding ways to become more engaged at work can reduce stress and help improve work-life balance. It may seem obvious, but a work-life imbalance will cause problems outside of the workplace.

A well-balanced work life allows employees to become more efficient at managing their time. They learn to prioritize tasks, set boundaries, and avoid procrastination, which ultimately results in better time management skills.

With a work-life balance that supports physical and mental health, employees are less likely to take sick days or personal days. This leads to reduced absenteeism, ensuring that your team is consistently present and engaged in their work. When employees can harmonize their professional and personal lives, their overall job satisfaction increases.

Satisfied employees tend to be more committed and motivated, leading to better job performance and a positive work atmosphere.

A well-rested and balanced mind is more conducive to creative thinking and problem-solving. Employees who enjoy a work-life balance are more likely to come up with innovative ideas, which can drive your company forward in an ever-evolving business landscape. Work-life balance can encourage personal growth and development.

It provides employees with the time and energy to invest in further education, training, and skill development , benefiting both the individual and the organization's growth. In a nutshell, work-life balance isn't just a fluffy feel-good concept; it's a strategic move that yields tangible benefits for both employers and employees.

Ah, the age-old question: Does work-life balance really affect employee retention? You bet it does! Employee retention is like building a fortress of talent, and work-life balance is the sturdy foundation that holds it all together.

Let's unpack this winning combination, shall we? Imagine being in a workplace where your personal life is respected, and you're given the flexibility to manage your work and family commitments seamlessly. You'd feel valued, right? Well, that's precisely what work-life balance does for employees.

When an organization prioritizes the well-being of its workforce, it creates a magnetic force that keeps employees glued to their roles.

Think about it, employees who can strike a balance between their professional and personal lives are more likely to stay committed to their jobs. They feel a sense of loyalty to a company that recognizes their individual needs and supports them in achieving work-life balance.

And, you guessed it right, this loyalty translates into higher employee retention rates. Burnout and disengagement become rampant , leading to a revolving door of employees seeking greener pastures.

But hey, it's not all doom and gloom! Employers who embrace work-life balance create a company culture where people love to work, and that's a recipe for retaining top talent.

It's like planting seeds of contentment that blossom into a garden of committed and motivated employees. So, if you're looking to strengthen your team and minimize turnover, investing in work-life balance isn't just an option; it's a strategic necessity.

As mentioned before, work-life balance isn't a one-size-fits-all concept; it comes in three delightful varieties, each catering to different preferences and needs. So, grab your taste buds of curiosity, and let's dive in!

This type revolves around managing the hours spent on work and personal pursuits. It's all about clocking in the required hours at the office while leaving ample time for family, hobbies, and relaxation. Flexible scheduling, work hours, remote work options, and compressed workweeks are the key ingredients of this delectable balance.

Picture having the freedom to choose where you work from, be it the cozy confines of your home or the bustling ambiance of a café. Space-based work-life balance emphasizes the importance of creating an environment that fosters productivity and well-being.

By allowing employees to work from locations that suit their preferences, this type adds a dash of personalization to the employee experience. Here's a tasty dish that focuses on the allocation of specific tasks and responsibilities. It's about optimizing workloads to prevent overload and burnout while ensuring employees have the bandwidth to excel in their roles.

Task-based work-life balance encourages efficient task delegation and fosters a culture of collaboration and teamwork. Now, you might be wondering why is implementing work-life balance such a tough nut to crack in the workplace?

Well, like any delicious recipe, there are a few challenges that can make this endeavor a tad tricky. Let's roll up our sleeves and explore the hurdles that can stand in the way of achieving that perfect work-life balance.

Firstly, the pressure to excel in a competitive business landscape often leads employers to prioritize productivity over well-being.

This can create a culture where long working hours and constant availability become the norm, leaving little room for employees to nurture their personal lives.

Secondly, the fear of a productivity dip can be a stumbling block. Some employers worry that offering flexible work options or remote work might result in reduced output. However, studies have shown that a well-balanced workforce is actually more productive and engaged.

Thirdly, there can be a lack of awareness and understanding about the individual needs and preferences of employees. Each person's work-life balance recipe is unique, and organizations must take the time to recognize and accommodate these differences.

Moreover, old-fashioned work cultures that glorify the "always-on" mentality can be resistant to change. Breaking free from the chains of tradition and embracing a progressive approach to work-life balance requires a shift in mindset and company values.

Lastly, implementing a work-life balance initiative demands consistent effort and commitment. It's not a one-time fix but an ongoing journey of adaptation and improvement.

But fret not, for every challenge presents an opportunity for growth. By addressing these hurdles head-on and fostering a work culture that values both productivity and well-being, employers can create a workplace where work-life balance thrives.

Did you know that work-life balance has various dimensions that shape this multi-faceted concept? Let's take a dive into these dimensions to uncover the true essence of work-life harmony.

Time dimension: This dimension revolves around managing the hours you dedicate to work, family, and personal pursuits. It's about finding that sweet spot where you have ample time for both career growth and quality moments with loved ones. Emotional dimension: Work-life balance isn't just about physical presence; it's also about emotional well-being.

This dimension emphasizes the importance of feeling fulfilled and content both at work and in personal life. Cognitive dimension: A cluttered mind can disrupt the delicate balance between work and life.

This dimension focuses on being present and focused on the task at hand, minimizing distractions, and nurturing mental clarity.

Physical dimension: Our bodies are our temples, and this dimension emphasizes the significance of maintaining physical health through regular exercise, nutrition, and adequate rest. Social dimension: Work-life balance isn't a solo act; it's a dance of relationships.

This dimension highlights the value of nurturing social connections and fostering a supportive network of friends and colleagues. Recognizing the signs of unhealthy work-life balance in your employees is crucial to creating a supportive and nurturing work environment.

After all, spotting these red flags early on allows you to take corrective action and ensure your team's well-being. So, let's put on our detective hats and uncover these telltale signs:. If you notice your employees consistently staying late or logging in extra hours beyond their work schedule, it could be a clear indicator of an imbalance between work and personal life.

A stressed-out team is a big warning sign. When work pressures become overwhelming and spill over into personal life, it can take a toll on your employees' mental and physical health.

Exhaustion, lack of motivation , and reduced productivity are classic signs of burnout. When your employees are on the verge of burning out, it's time to address their work-life balance.

When employees start neglecting their hobbies, family commitments, or personal interests due to work demands, it's a clear signal that work is overshadowing their life outside the office.

If you notice a rise in unplanned leaves or frequent sick days , it could be a sign that your employees are struggling to manage work and personal responsibilities.

Poor work-life balance can strain relationships with family and friends, affecting overall well-being and job satisfaction. When your employees are perpetually juggling multiple tasks, both at work and in their personal lives, it's a sign of poor work-life balance.

Multitasking can lead to decreased focus, increased stress, and decreased efficiency. If your team members are consistently dissatisfied with their work, it might be due to an unhealthy work-life balance. When the balance is skewed towards work, job satisfaction tends to decline, affecting their overall performance.

Employees struggling to manage work-life balance may turn to caffeine or other stimulants to stay alert and productive. This can lead to an unhealthy cycle of dependence and fatigue.

A disregard for one's physical and mental health is a red flag. When your employees start neglecting exercise, proper nutrition, and self-care, it's a sign that their work is consuming them.

A poor work-life balance can hinder personal growth and development. Employees might feel stuck in their current roles, unable to invest time in self-improvement or pursuing their passions. This stagnation can lead to frustration and dissatisfaction. As an employer, being attuned to these signs allows you to take proactive steps to support your team and create a work environment that fosters balance and happiness.

Encourage open communication, offer flexible work options, and prioritize employee well-being. Implementing work-life balance programs is a responsibility that falls squarely on the shoulders of managers. Why, you ask? Well, managers play a pivotal role in shaping the work culture and setting the tone for the entire team.

They are the architects of a thriving workplace where work and life coexist harmoniously. Managers are in a unique position to understand the individual needs and challenges of their team members. By recognizing the signs of poor work-life balance and proactively addressing them, managers can create a supportive and nurturing environment that fosters well-being.

Furthermore, managers hold the key to unlocking flexible work arrangements and promoting a healthy work-life for remote workers.

By championing to improve work-life balance initiatives and leading by example, they send a powerful message that prioritizing employee happiness is as vital as achieving business goals. Good work-life balance programs not only boost employee morale and job satisfaction but also enhance productivity and reduce turnover.

It's a win-win situation for both employees and the organization. As a management, it's your responsibility to support your team's work-life balance. When you do, you not only foster a healthier, happier workforce but also boost productivity and loyalty.

One of the most effective ways to promote work-life balance is by leading the way. Be a role model for your team. Show them that it's okay to disconnect after working hours and take vacations. If you're constantly sending work emails late at night, your team might feel pressured to do the same.

Demonstrate the importance of balance through your actions. Ensure your team knows what's expected of them and be clear about work hours and expectations. If you don't expect your team to work overtime or check emails on weekends, communicate this explicitly.

When the boundaries are well-defined, your employees are more likely to respect them. Embrace flexibility in your workplace. Allow employees to set flexible schedules when possible. Whether it's adjusting start and end times or working from home, giving your team some control over their work hours can make a significant difference in their work-life balance.

Teach your team the art of time management. Help them prioritize tasks, set goals, and manage their workload efficiently. Offer guidance on how to minimize distractions and stay focused, allowing them to accomplish their tasks within regular working hours.

Help your employees grow in their careers by supporting their professional development. This includes providing opportunities for training and skill enhancement. When your team members feel that they're advancing in their careers, they're often more motivated, which can have a positive impact on their work-life balance.

Promote wellness initiatives within your organization. Encourage your team to take care of their physical and mental health. Offer resources such as gym memberships, mental health support, or stress management programs. A healthy and balanced employee is often a more productive one.

Hold regular one-on-one meetings with your employees to check in on their well-being. Ask how they're managing their workload, if they have any concerns about their work-life balance, and if there's anything you can do to support them.

Active listening and empathy can go a long way in making your team feel valued and heard. An unhealthy work-life balance is like a rickety seesaw that never quite evens out. It's when your professional life tips the scale, overshadowing your personal life and well-being.

In this precarious scenario, several signs emerge, indicating that things are awry. Firstly, your work starts encroaching into your personal time, causing you to miss out on family gatherings, hobbies, or even just some good old relaxation.

Your phone buzzes with work emails during dinner, and your laptop becomes your constant companion even on weekends. Secondly, stress and burnout become your closest allies. You're perpetually racing against the clock, meeting deadlines, and trying to please your superiors, all at the expense of your health and sanity.

Sleepless nights and relentless anxiety become the norm. Moreover, relationships, which should be nurtured, tend to wither in the shadow of your demanding job. Family and friends might express their concerns about your unavailability or your inability to fully engage in personal moments.

Lastly, your physical health can take a nosedive. Poor eating habits, lack of exercise, and inadequate sleep become your companions. It's a recipe for chronic health problems, and before you know it, you're running on empty. An unhealthy work-life balance is a red flag signaling that it's time to reassess your priorities.

It's essential to find equilibrium, where your professional life and personal life harmoniously coexist, ensuring that you're not just living to work but working to live a fulfilling life.

Are your team members burning the midnight oil while juggling personal and professional commitments? You must be vigilant about maintaining a healthy work-life balance within your organization. But career women can find work life balance with paid maternity leave, a supportive partner and a bit of creative parenting.

Read more on Parenthub website. Work and family life can get in the way of each other and new parents can find it challenging to achieve a healthy work life balance. They want to spend as much time as possible with their baby but also have financial obligations. Sometimes balancing work and family life requires a bit of creative thinking.

Find out how other Australian mums and dads managed to balance spending time with their new baby and time at work. A good work-life balance is good for your children and good for you. It can even help prevent burnout at work. Read more on raisingchildren. au website.

Watch this video to hear mums of children with disability talk about returning to work and finding a work-life balance.

Mums also share practical tips. Returning to work after having a baby? Read more on Triple P - Positive Parenting Program website. Work and family balance. Support For Fathers, Fatherhood and Family Relationship Support. Relationships Australia Victoria RAV. Fatherhood Resources Library.

Read more on Support for Fathers website. Read more on SANE Australia website. Being affected by NETs can be an extremely challenging experience, both for patients, and those supporting them. Read more on NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia website. Read more on Eating Disorders Victoria website.

Cortisol is a hormone produced by the two adrenal glands, which are located on top of each kidney. The pituitary gland in the brain regulates cortisol production. Cortisol plays an important role in the stress response.

Maintaining an adequate balance of cortisol is essential for health. Read more on Ausmed Education website. Read more on palliAGED website.

A kidney function panel is a group of tests that may be performed together to evaluate kidney renal function. The tests measure levels of various substance.

Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website. Cystic fibrosis is a life-limiting genetic condition wherein abnormally thick and sticky mucus is produced, causing complications that predominantly affect the respiratory, digestive and reproductive systems.

CF is an autosomal recessive disease, meaning it must be inherited from both parents. Authors' conclusions: Patients with chronic LBP receiving MBR are likely to experience less pain and disability than those receiving usual care or a physical treatment.

Read more on Cochrane Australia website. Read more on MND Australia website. Parathyroid hormone PTH helps the body maintain stable levels of calcium in the blood. While systemic lupus erythematosus better known as lupus has been researched for years, the catalyst remains unknown Healthdirect, ; NIH, It is believed that genetics, stress, injury and illness all contribute to the development of lupus Better Health Channel, n.

There are endless benefits to achieving and managing a work-life balance, including boosted productivity, reduced burnout, improved overall wellness, and higher employee retention. A workload that is too heavy to manage can decrease productivity and lead to more errors and mistakes.

By taking time to recharge, rest, and participate in personal activities, individuals can come back to work refreshed and more productive. According to the APA Dictionary of Psychology , burnout is the feeling of physical, emotional, or mental exhaustion accompanied by decreased motivation, lowered performance, and negative attitudes toward oneself and others.

However, you can reduce or prevent feelings of burnout by working toward greater balance of your work and personal life responsibilities, so that everything feels more in sync. Poor work-life balance can lead to stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues. A balanced lifestyle that allows for adequate rest, relaxation, and time with loved ones can improve overall well-being and reduce the risk of mental and physical health problems.

As an employer, encouraging employees to develop a healthy work-life balance can create a happier work environment. Making time for people and hobbies in your personal life is equally important to juggling responsibilities in your career.

The first step toward work-life balance is taking advantage of breaks that are offered to you, such as a lunch break. If you work from home, consider taking a quick stretch and walking around the block to get some fresh air.

You can also take mini breaks at your desk and practice breathing exercises or short meditations. Having strong time management skills, both at home and in the office, can also improve your work-life balance.

To practice this, there are several things you can do:. According to Jabra's Hybrid Ways of Working Global Report , employees with full autonomy to choose where they work are happier with their jobs.

However, working from home can also make it more difficult to draw boundaries between work and personal life. For example, some people find it difficult to reset their mind and environment since without a commute.

A flexible work schedule allows employees the autonomy to create their own schedules to determine a work-life balance that fits the needs of their personal lives.

This could mean starting and ending the workday at earlier or later times or hybrid working, depending on personal preferences.

Practicing self-compassion and being kinder to yourself can go a long way when navigating challenges and mistakes. Paid time off exists for a reason.

According to a study by the Pew Research Center, 48 percent of workers fail to use all of their allocated vacation days. Similar to volunteering, donating to a cause you care about can help give you a sense of purpose and boost morale.

When you encourage yourself or your employees to donate and be part of other charitable events, you can further promote a positive work environment, which can lead to a better overall work-life balance.

Volunteering is a great way to make social connections and give back to your community. Doing things for other people makes individuals feel more engaged and joyful, and can even lead to health benefits , such as the following:.

To encourage volunteering amongst employees, consider offering a day off or organizing an event for everyone to do it together. Make it a point to schedule some time to socialize, whether it's with your friends, family, or even colleagues after work. Plus, having healthy social relationships are important for overall mental and physical health , which can translate into the workplace.

As an employer, you have the power to encourage a more balanced and healthy workplace by creating employee health initiatives. For example, consider hosting optional fitness activities, such as the following:.

Focusing on these bigger items and crossing them off your list right away can give you a sense of productivity and accomplishment, which can set the tone for the rest of your day.

Be sure to prioritize communicating your boundaries to colleagues and clients in the workplace. Communicating these boundaries can help reduce the need to check on work after hours or on your time off.

Additionally, try blocking off time in your calendar to give you space to do some heads-down work. To find the right fit, make sure you clearly state your goals and trajectory.

Exercise in any form can be a great stress reducer , making it an essential part of an everyday routine. In addition to exercise, having animals in the office can help ease workplace stress. Pets in the workplace can also lower stress and reduce blood pressure which can have a calming effect and lead to higher levels of productivity.

Doing so may even help attract potential employees who seek this benefit. If applicable, you can fill out surveys or feedback forms to give input on work-life balance within the company. That means creating a culture that encourages feedback and allows employees to feel heard and appreciated.

You can also reward your employees for providing feedback and being honest when it comes to sharing opinions. Sometimes, employers will even offer employee assistance programs that can connect you with a professional who can help you manage stress and put you on the right path to a better work-life balance.

Empower your people to go above and beyond with a flexible platform designed to match the needs of your team — and adapt as those needs change. The Smartsheet platform makes it easy to plan, capture, manage, and report on work from anywhere, helping your team be more effective and get more done.

Want to review your employee benefits? If you're interested in an overview of the average wage in Canada or want to offer more competitive salaries, get the salary guide. However, this constant communication without breaks can quickly lead to employee burnout.

You can help your employees avoid this issue by implementing a right-to-disconnect policy that allows them to put their mobile devices down for a set period.

Employers must provide a healthy work-life balance to preserve employees' physical and mental health, maintain low turnover, and set boundaries between personal and professional life Keep reading to learn more about: what a healthy work-life balance is why it's so important how to help your employees make it a reality.

what is work-life balance? This is why maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential. why is maintaining a healthy work-life balance important to your company and employees? avoid employee burnout and improve productivity. improve retention. attract potential talent. minimize the risk of a bad reputation.

download our cracking the talent code guide To help you crack the code and decipher what benefits Canadians actually want from their employers, we did a deep dive into the benefits and perks that candidates can't say no to!

download the guide. tips for implementing work-life balance policies and benefits Your company can go a long way in helping employees improve work-life balance by implementing the right policies and offering relevant benefits.

encourage breaks Studies show that employees are more productive when taking short breaks throughout the day. And, as you already know, the most important benefit to talent is salary. tags: compensations and benefits cracking the talent code employee benefits employee productivity employee retention health and wellness salary guide talent management workplace politics.

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