Taking Control of Your Work-Life Balance
Posted October 24th, 2017
In the era of mobile technology and remote work options, it isn’t uncommon for our professional lives to comingle with our personal ones. Add to that the fact that many people pull extended hours at the office, and it’s no wonder maintaining work-life balance can be a challenge. But, failing to disconnect from your duties can have consequences, including a negative impact on your lifestyle and job satisfaction, making it even more imperative that you take control.
If you are ready to reclaim your work-life balance, here are some tips to get you started.
Be Present
Most professionals deal with the fair share of meetings. Whether their large interdepartmental affairs or small team interactions, staying engaged during these discussions can help you improve your work life. Often, this means leaving your laptop or smartphone at your desk (or at least put away), so you won’t be distracted by incoming emails or other tasks. This lets you remain present and participate fully, ensuring you get all of the necessary information or ask important questions instead of having to rehash everything at a later time.
Learn When to Say “No”
While offering to help your coworkers out or volunteering to take on a new project may seem like a smart move, that isn’t always the case. Sure, if your skill set is unique and is guaranteed to be relevant to the task at hand, jumping in early can show you know how to anticipate the company’s needs and demonstrates that you are a go-getter and team player. While all of this is great, and can help your career, there are times when saying “I’ll do it” isn’t the way to go.
If your current workload is already cumbersome, volunteering your services is a surefire way to feel overloaded. This means your other duties may suffer, which can harm your reputation, or that you could become overwhelmed, or even burned out. In these cases, saying “no” to new projects or responsibilities can be a wise move, especially if you don’t want to spend extra hours outside of your usual schedule just trying to keep up.
Have Regular Check-ins with Your Manager
Scheduling regular one-on-one meetings with your boss can actually help you achieve a better work-life balance. First, this allows you to keep them apprised of your progress and workload, ensuring you don’t get overtasked simply because they aren’t aware of what is on your plate. Second, it gives you a chance to ask for assistance, if needed, and even discuss your career goals.
By having these meetings, you show your manager that you take your responsibilities seriously and that you want them to be aware of what is happening with a member of their team. It also allows you to become more comfortable with each other, making it easier to ask for assistance or turn down a new project if your workload necessitates it.
By managing your work life more efficiently, you make it easier to maintain some control over your hours, ensuring your work-life balance is optimized. If you would like to learn more or are interested in securing a new position, the professionals at Bayside Solutions can help. Contact us today to see how our services can benefit your career.
