Nowadays, many people consider themselves ‘time poor’—consistently juggling one commitment after the other. 

Some statistics show that 1 in 10 employees now work over 50 hours each week which is considered ‘very long hours.’

Understandably, this setup makes it very difficult for most people to achieve a healthy work-life balance. 

Essentially, a great work-life balance means you have achieved harmony between the various aspects of your life.

Many ask themselves how to achieve work-life balance to strengthen and support others.

To a great extent, today’s modern work culture revolves around balance.

Nowadays, humans are more engaged than ever, times are hectic, and for some, achieving a work-life balance can seem like a farfetched (if not impossible) dream.

However, while achieving work-life balance can be challenging for many, it can be done.

In most cases, the work schedule is no longer confined to the usual office hours.

Many years prior, most of the work was manual and getting free time away from work was not as difficult.

Employees could take care of other priorities as soon as they step out of the four corners of their office.

The work scenario changed drastically with the introduction of tech and the IT revolution. 

Accessing resources is no longer a huge concern.

However, this also means that work emails can come knocking at anytime.

Because of this, employees end up spending long hours at work compared to before.

This hinders them from achieving the seemingly unattainable life-work balance.

The Impact of Work-Life Balance 

Often, work-life balance is viewed as an approach to maintaining equal hours between work and play.

But there is more to it than meets the eye.

A well-balanced work-life is not about coming and getting off work on time.

Looking at it from a broader perspective, work-life balance is all about prioritizing things per their importance.

When you prioritize things, you can save both energy and time. 

This allows you to balance your work and personal life perfectly.

At first glance, work-life balance can seem like something that only benefits the employees.

Nothing can be farther from the truth.

Achieving work-life balance is as beneficial to the organization as it is to individual employees.

When employees can achieve the right balance between work and life, they are more satisfied and understandably happier. 

This satisfaction and happiness can trickle down in behavior and performance at work.

Moreover, employees who achieve a healthy life-work balance often become likely advocates of their organizations.

The upsides of achieving a life-work balance do not end there.

When employees enjoy a life-work balance, the organization will also notice higher retention rates, enhanced work culture, and improved employee engagement.

How to Achieve a Healthy Life-Work Balance

If you are working on achieving a life-work balance, give the following strategies a try:

1.  Take Time Off Between Work

Taking time off from work can help you deal with stress more effectively. 

It is important to remember that the human body is not made to endure long work hours just sitting down and facing computers.

In line with this, you must also ensure you can incorporate physical movements while at work.

Start with light walks or some simple desk exercises.

Taking short breaks when you are tired or dealing with a stressful situation can also help you recharge and recover.

2.  Volunteer Time Off

Volunteering is not only a great way to socialize, but it is also great for building interpersonal connections.

Also, volunteering for social causes can help you commit socially and destress.

For organizations, granting employees time off to do volunteer work will help boost their company’s social responsibility initiatives and promote goodwill between the organization and the employees.

3.  Plan Properly

Planning your day-to-day activities at work and home is another great strategy you can look into.

Planning can also help you identify your priorities to know which tasks to tackle first.

In addition, sticking to a well-laid plan can also help you save a lot of time at work.

This allows you to focus on other things outside of work and have time for things that make you happy.

4.  Observe a Healthy Lifestyle

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a massive factor that can help you achieve a life-work balance.

An unhealthy life-work balance can disrupt not only your physical but also your mental health.

Taking this fact into account, an unhealthy lifestyle can hamper your productivity to a great extent.

And that’s just for starters.

It can also affect your health and how you deal with others, your co-workers included.

Just like a healthy body helps you to stay energetic, a mind free from stress is also full of clarity.

This helps you excel both in your work and personal life.

5. Practice a No Work at Home Policy After Work Hours

Oftentimes, employees take their work home to make up for deadlines.

This inability to leave work at the office can result in issues that hinder the life-work balance.

For instance, working even during off-hours can deprive the human body of the rest it needs.

Further, it can also affect your social life, a necessary factor in achieving a healthy mindset.

You can help prevent all those by adhering strictly to a no work-at-home policy.

6.  Manage Time Properly

Time management is a key aspect if you want to achieve a life-work balance.

If you ignore this aspect, you can become overwhelmed at the end of the day and unable to find time for yourself.

To be able to manage your time accordingly, you need to make sure you have a routine set in place.

Using time management hacks and tools can also help in this regard.

7.  Adopt Some Hobbies

Most people have hobbies like painting, photography, collecting stamps, dancing, etc.

A good life-work balance should not only be limited to having time for work and loved ones.

You need to also factor in those things that you like and love doing on a personal level.

While unfortunate to note, many people can find time for work and family at the expense of their hopes and aspirations.

A hobby gives you time to work on things that matter to you.

8.  Take Advantage of Paid Vacation Time

In today’s day and age, vacation is no longer considered a luxury but a necessity.

It is high time that you realize that paid vacations are an important part of the modern work culture.

Taking advantage of paid vacation leaves can also go a long way toward helping you stay relaxed and rejuvenated.

9.  Consider Doing Remote Work

Many consider the ability to work from anywhere one of the best setups.

Even if you don’t travel while working, remote work will allow you to work where and when you want to.

It will also allow you to fulfill and attend to social commitments without missing out on anything work-related.

10.  Take Advantage of Pet-Friendly Workspaces

Pet-friendly workspaces are becoming a thing, and with good reason.

Having the opportunity to bring your pets to work will not only help you relax mentally, but it can also help create a light and jovial atmosphere that can help make work seem less toxic.

11.  Participate in Team Building Exercises

Team building is designed to get people to work together to achieve a common goal.

Team building activities and exercises can also be an effective way to improve relationships among employees. 

What many people don’t realize, however, is that team building can also be beneficial in establishing a life-work balance.

With remote teams becoming the norm lately, communication and collaboration have become a must.

One of the best ways to build a better life-work balance is to participate in activities that bring the team together enjoyably.

12.  Have a Designated Quiet Space

A designated quiet space at your workplace can help your team stay happy, healthy, and productive.

Use the spot to meditate, reflect, or just take a break from the bustle at the office.

Having a quiet space also allows you to have a place where you can collect your thoughts and stay focused so you can get work done.

Ensure you also have a room that is well-kept and inviting. 

You can even play some music to create a relaxing atmosphere.

13.  Focus on Your Physical Health

Maintaining an active lifestyle or finding time to visit the gym when your schedule is always packed is difficult.

If your office has a gym, it would be a great idea to take advantage of it to enhance your mental and physical health.

If you are working from home, it would be a great idea to adopt standing or treadmill desks to exercise while working.

14.  Consider Tailored Experiences

There is no universal approach to creating a life-work balance, as each employee is different.

That said, you need to focus on activities and experiences that are tailored to you.

For instance, some love working late and logging in long hours, while others prefer starting early and leaving as soon as possible.

Choose whatever works for you best to find time for other things you want to do outside of work.

15.  Establish Clear Boundaries

Set realistic and fair boundaries on what you will and will not do at home and in the office.

Ideally, your boundaries are communicated to your supervisor, co-workers, partners, and loved ones.

For instance, if you don’t like committing to working late unless necessary, it is ideal that all the parties concerned are aware of your stand.

It is also recommended that you don’t check or respond to any work-related emails while at home.

16.  Make Time for You

As much as work and relationships are priorities, it is also crucial that you schedule a time to renew yourself.

In line with this, engaging in things you enjoy, even just for a few minutes, would be best.

Start with at least 30 minutes of uninterrupted “me” time.

This can do wonders for your health and well-being and benefit your work.

Also, it is ideal that you connect with some spiritual source.

Believing in a higher power can provide you with a deep well from which you can draw guidance, strength, and inspiration.

A day a week dedicated to helping rest and rejuvenation can also help.

17.  Avail of Programs that Promote Life-Work Balance

It is reassuring that many forward-thinking companies are creating and offering programs and policies that facilitate life-work balance.

That said, check out your options for job-sharing, part-time employment, flexible hours, telecommuting, and a compressed work week.

It would also be best to find a work arrangement that will allow you to work more productively while allowing you some time to spend on activities outside of work.

Consider proposing one if your company does not have a flexible scheduling program.

18.  Work Smarter, Not Harder

Using your time more efficiently is a vital skill that any employee should learn.

Adopting the right time-management practices can help you cut stress and save you time for things and activities outside of work.

This can include using technology to stay more organized, learning to say no, and avoiding procrastination.

19.  Know When to Ask for Help

Don’t suffer in silence if you feel overwhelmed at work and suffer from undue stress. 

Shed the superhuman image and talk to your supervisor or boss about your situation.

Untenable work situations can be alleviated but require some assertiveness from you.

Similarly, if the life-work balance continues to elude you or you are experiencing massive stress, consider talking to a professional—a counselor, clergy person, or a mental health worker.

You should also take advantage of your company’s employee assistance programs.

20.  Track Your Time

Analyzing your situation is a huge step in achieving a more balanced life. 

Start by keeping a time log of everything you do for a week, including personal and work-related activities.

The information you will find can be eye-opening and help you clearly and accurately determine where you spend your time (and lose).

Conclusion

Achieving a life-work balance is not an exact science yet.

That said, you need to find how to balance your career, personal care, and relationships into an integrated whole.

What is right for you can change as circumstances arise, so it would be best to review your situation and adjust accordingly.

If anything, achieving a healthy life-work balance is a concerted effort and will require continued effort.

However, if you commit yourself to the quest wholeheartedly, you will reap the life-work balance you seek.