Work life balance is essential for everyone. Even if you’re not a leader, you probably understand how difficult it is to maintain peak performance at work. Responsibilities and deadlines, coupled with the stress and demands of the workplace, can easily bleed over into the leader’s personal life.
If they can’t balance work life and personal life, they’re left with health issues, burnout, and dissatisfaction.
So leaders have to keep themselves healthy, engaged, and energetic to help their team possess the same qualities and characteristics. Only then can we talk about achieving goals and maintaining top productivity.
So what is it that leaders from all over the world do to reach this delicate yet successful work-life balance?
Leading By Example
We’ve all heard that a leader should set an example for everyone when working. But little is said about the impact of their lifestyle on themselves and others around them. Just like each team member needs time off to recharge and enjoys personal life, a leader needs that time as well.
It’s wrong to assume that only by working 70 hours a week will a leader set a good example. On the contrary, their employees might find it frustrating to dedicate that much time, which will lead to frustration and burnout.
Don’t Be a Workaholic
Some countries in Europe are now looking into the possibility of lowering the number of working hours per week to allow everyone more time to devote to themselves, their friends, and their hobbies.
If a leader constantly stays late, takes work home, and works through the weekends, it will affect their health and create an image of a person who can’t organize their time well.
This doesn’t mean that special periodical projects that require extra time should be ditched because they need additional time. They should be embraced, but they should not be the norm.
Vacation, a Work-Life Balance
Leaders usually work hard. But they don’t always enjoy enough time away from their jobs to relax, pursue outside interests, and connect with their loved ones.
While Japan is famous for people not taking their well-deserved vacation for many reasons, the global trend is to make the most of your vacation.
In the US, almost half a billion vacation days expire each year. So it comes as no surprise that more and more people are looking for work outside the borders.
Peace of Mind
The more distractions there are, the less efficient we are. It’s as simple as that. With so many challenges at work that are often beyond our direct control, we need to control at least some aspects of our lives and reduce the number of potential problems.
For example, successful business leaders in Singapore have recognized that comprehensive insurance packages are an investment worth making. That’s why they opt for a life insurance package that provides the best possible coverage for them and their families. Of course, the trend is not unique to Singapore, as business leaders from all over the world are doing the same.
Time-saving Technology
Another global trend is applying modern technology at work and at home to help us save time. Though many would argue that technology has increased employees’ connection to work (and they would be right), it also provides excellent solutions for managing work-life balance.
Various applications and software solutions can help workers become more efficient, which means that various projects can be completed more quickly, without jeopardizing the quality of the outcome.
Finally, getting the most out of employees during work hours will diminish the need to work after hours or during the weekend. If applied correctly, technology can be invaluable in helping both leaders and their employees balance personal and work life.
Workplace Flexibility
People thrive when workplace flexibility is available to them. The same applies to leaders. They feel less burdened and burned out by working an occasional night or a few hours over the weekend if they know they can leave early on a workday for a dentist’s appointment or a child’s recital.
Whether this flexibility is provided by telecommuting or some other means, it’s vital to use it to help everyone achieve work-life balance.
Finding a Balance
Shrewd leaders know that if they find a good balance between work and personal life, they’ll be more likely to replicate this success in all other aspects of their lives.
Achieving a healthy work-life balance is a crucial part of creating a work atmosphere that is both positive and productive.
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How Can Leaders Balance Work Life and Personal Life?
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