Work vs. Life 5 Practical Tips to Keep the Drama on the Right Side
5 Effective Strategies to Balance Work and Personal Life
We live in a world where it seems like we’re always plugged in and available. With the rise of hybrid and flexible working, it can be hard to separate work from our personal lives. But fear not! Here are five best-practice ways to divorce work from the rest of your life, as shared by some of the brightest minds in the business.
1. Find the right rhythm Imagine orchestrating a symphony where work and life harmonize beautifully. Sasha Jory, CIO at Hastings Direct, knows the secret to this rhythm. As a working mom, she found balance by sticking to a set schedule. She would enter the office at 7 a.m., work her 9 or 10 hours solid, and then leave promptly at 4 p.m. It was a carefully choreographed routine that allowed her to dedicate time to her kids.
Jory advises being fully present in the moment. When having lunch with your kids, savor every bite and engage in meaningful conversation. And if a work crisis arises, communicate with your children about what’s happening. Kids are more understanding than we give them credit for.
She also stresses the importance of investing time in friends, health, and personal interests. Remember, work will still be there tomorrow, so find the right balance and enjoy the symphony of life!
2. Embrace flexibility In the post-COVID age, work and home life have become entangled like the unyielding strands of a spider’s web. Lily Haake, head of technology and digital executive search at Harvey Nash, recognizes the challenge of separating the two.
The daily commute used to provide a buffer, allowing us to decompress and transition from work to home. However, with hybrid work arrangements, this buffer has diminished. Haake suggests finding a balance based on your enjoyment and stress levels. If you genuinely love your job and don’t mind the occasional work intrusion, it’s easier to navigate this blurred boundary.
Haake herself follows a flexible work schedule, taking Fridays off but occasionally working on other days. The key is finding what works for you and embracing the freedom that comes with it.
3. Help others help themselves Andy Moore, chief data officer at Bentley Motors, exemplifies the saying, “Sharing is caring.” Outside of work, he utilizes his business acumen to mentor and develop young talent. Passionate about data, Moore actively contributes to charity initiatives and serves as a school governor to shape the future generation.
He believes in the power of inspiring younger minds to pursue data careers. Moore’s involvement with TeenTech and his role as a school governor give him a unique perspective. He recognizes the importance of a clean break from work, prioritizing quality time with his family. By sharing his expertise and investing in the next generation, Moore finds meaning and purpose beyond the office walls.
4. Love where you work Imagine a job where your passions collide and every day feels like play. Lisa Diehl, director of consumer care at Freshpet, found just that. Her love for consumer care and animals led her to join Freshpet, where she gets to nurture both passions.
Diehl understands the challenge of disconnecting from work when it aligns so closely with her interests. The love for her furry friends is ingrained in her, motivating her to go the extra mile. Even during personal time, she finds herself advocating for animal welfare and responding to emails.
While she tries to set boundaries, there’s an undeniable drive that comes from doing what you love. Diehl cherishes the joy and fulfillment, even if it means occasionally checking emails at odd hours. After all, when it’s your passion, it’s hard to resist the call.
5. Learn from your experiences Meet Sue Walker, the cybersecurity manager at RWE, who brings a wealth of wisdom to the table. With years of experience in IT security, Walker knows the value of staying calm and collected. Rushing into action without proper planning and testing can lead to unnecessary chaos.
Walker advises her team to avoid late-night work and unnecessary emails. If a problem arises outside of working hours, it’s best to seek guidance from a colleague rather than struggle alone. Drawing from her own mistakes and lessons learned, Walker recommends using experience as a tool to navigate challenges.
So, take Walker’s advice, enjoy your life, and leave the worrisome nights behind. As long as you’re doing a good job and staying calm, there’s no need for sleepless nights.
Now it’s your turn! Share your tips for separating work from the rest of your life in the comments below. Let’s create a symphony of work-life balance together!
