Work-life balance is an important aspect of a healthy work environment. Maintaining work-life balance helps reduce stress and helps prevent burnout in the workplace. Chronic stress is one of the most common issues in the workplace and can lead to physical consequences such as hypertension, digestive troubles, chronic aches and pains and heat problems. Chronic stress can also negatively impact mental health because it is linked to a higher risk of depression, anxiety and insomnia.
Too much stress over a long period of time leads to workplace burnout. Employees who work excessive hours are at a higher risk if burnout. Burnout can cause fatigue, mod swings, irritability and decrease in work performance. According to the Harvard Business Review, the psychological and physical problems of burned out employees cost an estimated $125 billion to $190 billion a year in healthcare spending in the United States.
By creating a work environment that prioritizes work-life balance, employers can save money and maintain a healthier, more productive workforce. Work-life balance means something a little different to everyone. Listed below are 6 core elements that help in promoting an optimal work-life balance
- Self-Management as a recognition that effectively using the spaces in our lives is vital and that available resources such as time, energy and finances are finite. Sufficiently managing your self in the context of getting proper sleep, exercise and nutrition is the key here.
- Effective Time management involves making optimal use of your day and is enhanced through appropriate goals and discerning what is both important and urgent, versus important or urgent. It entails knowing what you do best and when and assembling the appropriate tools to accomplish specific tasks.
- Stress Management – Most forms of multi-tasking ultimately increase our stress, versus focusing on one think at a time. More people, distractions and noise require us to have the skills to work ourselves out of pressure filled situations and techniques such as yoga, meditation and mindfulness help.
- Change Management – Continually adopting new methods and re-adopting others is vital to successful career and a happy home life. Effective change management involves making periodic and focused efforts to ensure that the volume and rate of change at work and at home does not overwhelm or defeat you.
- Technology Management – Effectively managing technology means ensuring that technology serves you , rather than abuses you. You must rule technology and not vice versa
- Leisure Management – acknowledges the importance of rest and relaxation and may require varying leisure activities from time to time.