Taking Steps Towards a Better Work-Life Balance
It is not a ruse that today’s working world is a result-driven reality; CEO pushing the boundaries, managers working their employees to achieve faster, higher, better and employees are constantly on the chase. Once the target is achieved, the next one is already set in motion and the wheel is turning once again. So when do we catch a break?
Erase the culture of overworking
Overworking is a serious problem. In China, over half a million Chinese die each year as a result of overworking. In Japan, there is an actual word for “Death by Overwork”. While the South Koreans work a staggering 11 hours on weekends and after hours. In Singapore, Millennials are clocking up to 48 hours every week These are not numbers to be ignored. Overworking can lead to dire health problems and burnout amongst employees. As a result, not only will you have a group of disgruntled, unhappy employees, you will also start to see a drastic decrease in work performance.
Encourage flexibility in the workplace
Allow time and space for rests and coffee breaks rather than obsessively looking over your employees’ shoulders. Break down the barrier and interact with colleagues and employees during these breaks. This will foster the feeling of trust and sense of comfort, your employees will feel more relaxed to confide on occasions where they need to attend to their home life.
“We let work inundate everything. We have to start setting the priority of allowing people to put their lives before their work.” – Michelle Obama
Schedule active social activities with your colleagues
After work team jog, family day, casual meet ups, barbecue sessions, movie night outs. Inject ‘life’ and ‘fun’ into the team you are working with daily. This strategy can help improve connection and strengthen friendship leading to a happier and more meaningful experiences at work. Everyone wants to be happy with the people they are working with.
Remind your team of rest as much as you remind them of works
Sleep deprivation could be killing your employees’ productivity. Humans on average need 8 hours of sleep when at times it’s challenging enough to even get 5 hours in! Taking power naps at workplace shouldn’t be frowned upon. Quick naps on work shouldn’t be equate as being lazy and incompetent, after all, the Google was created while sleeping. Naps are particularly beneficial during a stressful thinking process or when you are stumped with a problem you can’t solve. It allows your brain neurons to reorganize, connect new dots and form new memories and ideas. Read more here to know how to be productive while napping.
No work discussions after hours
Absolutely no work discussions after work hours. It does nothing but harm to your team and colleagues. Nobody likes to be reminded of works when they are at home. Texting about work after work has negative effect towards our moods and peace of mind.
Work-Life balance shouldn’t be a fantasy. It shouldn’t be a concept that we joked about during coffee break on how preposterous and highly unlikely for that to happen if we want to live with a roof over our head. Yes, it is possible to still succeed in workplace while also have time to enjoy your favourite book, smell the flowers, catch up with old friends and watch your children grow.
Writer: Syafiqaa Al
