When it comes to the topic of work-life balance, conversation abounds: but what does it look like to take practical steps toward the end goal of finding success in both your business and personal life? Company policies play a role here, as some workplace cultures are more hospitable to balance than others. But even the most generous policies cannot prevent the reality that at some point or another, your work life and personal life will conflict. I want to share a few thoughts that may help you navigate these conflicts. Before we jump into the specifics, though, I’ll remind you of one great truth in life: when you start with a solid plan, you are always more likely to be successful. Planning for work-life balance is no different.
Keep in mind the following suggestions:
Organize Your Vacations – In January, work with your family to outline your vacation goals for the coming year. Then go to your calendar and decide which weeks you want to set aside. Next, discuss those dates with your boss and then lock them in the calendar. Sure, exact dates might change as the year rolls along, but an early plan promises less variation in the long run.
Arrange for the Events that Matter – Working as far ahead as you can, place other key events in your calendar. For example, I always made a point to calendarize our children’s athletic events. I knew I was unlikely to make all of them, but I was often able to shift things around to attend a few that I almost certainly would have missed had I not planned ahead.
Keep Key Players in the Loop — From time to time, communicate to your colleagues about some of your outside activities, whether related to individual pursuits or family interests. These topics can make for good conversation and, as a bonus, may help to lay the groundwork for you being absent occasionally.
Don’t Leave Anyone Hanging — When you are away from the regular work schedule, it is essential that your responsibilities can be picked up by someone else. The surest way to debilitate your standing in the workplace is to leave your team members without support. When it is necessary for another individual to step up in your stead, be sure to communicate the need early and clearly, and provide a big “thank you” after the fact.
Remember Your Responsibilities — A major component of real work-life balance is seeing that your responsibilities are completely fulfilled. If you are taking personal time and your duties are being completed as expected, a reasonable workplace will be understanding. If the work is not getting done, however, it is your responsibility to get yourself in gear and catch up quickly, before the burden falls to others. True balance requires harmony on both the personal and professional sides of your life.
I do not believe there is one perfect formula for achieving work-life balance – every individual is different, as is every family and every workplace. But no matter your specific circumstances, I encourage you to take the time to plan early and communicate often so there are no surprises on the work side or the life side. I followed the tips above and never missed a vacation with my family. You can make work-life balance work for you.
published: Nashville Business Journal
