From early 2020 to the later part of 2023, the United States job market ricocheted from massive layoffs to the Great Resignation, back to a white-collar “richession,” making it challenging for the college-educated laptop class to find jobs.
In a difficult job market epitomized by large corporations laying off thousands of office workers during the holiday season, it’s understandable that people are apt to work longer hours and hold off on taking vacation days and paid time off to demonstrate their value and why they should not be next in line to receive the pink slip. Conversely, when companies have difficulty recruiting and retaining employees in a hot market, workers can de-stress as the power shifts back in their favor.
When facing potential headwinds, workers must maintain their mental and emotional well-being with a healthy work-life balance—the equilibrium between an individual’s professional work and personal life.
The new year is when people traditionally engage in self-introspection. When setting intentions and goals for 2024, it is important to ask yourself how you will consciously manage your time and energy to ensure that work does not overshadow personal responsibilities and vice versa. This balance can be achieved by prioritizing tasks, setting boundaries and finding fulfillment outside work. It is critical to employee wellness and can reduce work-related stress and improve overall health.
Establish Non-Negotiable Priorities
To ensure that you maintain a healthy working environment, start by thinking about the most important things you desire. Some prioritize spending time with family, friends, hobbies and other activities. Others are hypercompetitive about getting ahead in their careers and earning as much money as possible.
Break down your aspirations into specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound goals for both work and personal life. Doing this will give you a clear roadmap to navigate throughout the year. Focus on managing your time effectively. You can do this by “time blocking,” which entails placing specific time slots in your calendar for work, personal activities, hobbies and rest. It helps visualize your day and ensures you dedicate focused time to each priority.
Finding the right tools can streamline your workflow and free up more time for yourself. Take advantage of apps, platforms and software to manage to-do lists, track time and automate tasks. Minimize distractions by setting boundaries between work and personal life. For instance, set a precedent by telling co-workers you won’t be checking emails or work messages outside of designated work hours. Limit phone usage during personal time.
Ensure You’re On The Same Page With Your Team
Have a conversation with your direct manager to outline the goals and intentions you have set for yourself. Let them know if you truly desire a remote work style or a hybrid arrangement to see if that’s a possibility. Don’t be reluctant to discuss flexible work times if you have young children, care for elderly parents or have other responsibilities that will carve into working hours.
You are not a bad person if you start saying “no” to things. In fact, you should get comfortable saying that you cannot assist with certain matters as you’re buried with work or need to punch out early to see your daughter’s softball game.
When a colleague “desk bombs” you and chews your ear off with petty gossip and rumormongering, don’t put up with it. Politely let the person know you need to get back to your work.
Put Your Oxygen Mask On First
If you don’t take care of yourself physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually, you will likely be unable to help others. Book time for activities that nourish your mind, body and soul. This includes exercise, meditation, spending time in nature and pursuing hobbies. Taking care of yourself will boost your energy and resilience.
There is no reason to always be on. Socialize the ability to disconnect without feeling guilty. Take microbreaks away from the computer and phone. If you are in an office setting, ensure you get up and walk around, as sitting for long periods can be as hazardous to your health as obesity or smoking.
The past few years have taught us that nothing remains the same and everything is constantly changing. For example, seemingly overnight, we witnessed the fast ascension of artificial intelligence, which is revolutionizing the workplace and potentially threatens your job security.
Life is unpredictable, and plans can change. Be prepared to adjust your priorities and be kind to yourself when things don’t go as planned. There is no such thing as a perfect work-life balance, so don’t feel bad if the equation is not always equal. Focus on high-priority matters that will get you noticed and avoid rote, repetitive tasks that can be pushed onto others. On a routine basis, conduct a self-assessment to see if you are holding true to your ideal work-life balance.
The key is to find what works best for you and your biorhythm and remain open-minded to flow with the changes.
Source: Forbes
