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A healthy work-life balance is essential for our well-being and happiness. Yet finding harmony between our professional commitments and personal life is challenging for many people. Fortunately, clear boundaries, effective communication and setting priorities will go a long way towards achieving this. We share seven valuable tips in this blog post.
1. Set clear boundaries. It’s important to set clear boundaries between your work and personal time. Communicate with your colleagues and managers about your availability and agree on working hours that are appropriate for you. Don't be afraid to say no to tasks outside normal working hours unless they are really necessary. It’s not always possible or easy to say no in some professions, of course. For example, with essential professions such as nurses, doctors or teachers. Nevertheless, always try to remember that saying 'no' is about how much a request fits within your duties and time, it says nothing about how kind and helpful you are or how you feel about the other person.
2. Plan your time well. Make a weekly schedule in advance so you know what to expect during the working week. Effective planning is essential for a healthy work-life balance and gives you peace of mind and an overview. Make a realistic schedule in which you reserve time for your work obligations as well as for your personal activities and relaxation. Prioritise your tasks and stick to your schedule to reduce stress. Of course, at Maandag® we are aware that if you work in an operating theatre, or as a midwife, planning the week in advance will not be easy. When work calls, you have to be there. But even then, planning is still relevant.
In your job, are you likely to have ad hoc issues for which you need to free up time at the last minute? Book time for this in your calendar in advance. This will prevent your calendar from suddenly bulging with work and potentially stressing you out.
3. Make use of handy tools. Technology can be a great ally in managing your work-life balance. Use tools like calendar apps, to-do list apps and communication platforms to organise your work more efficiently and better manage your personal time. Ensure a good work-life balance by not letting the tools control your working life and turn off notifications outside working hours.
4. Learn to say no. Collegiality and flexibility in the workplace are a wonderful thing, but you cannot keep all the balls in the air. Learn to prioritise and politely say no to requests you cannot take on or are not part of the core tasks of your role. It's easier to say 'no' in some jobs than others but avoid taking on more than you can handle and that the pressure becomes too much.
5. Do activities. Put yourself first and make time for activities that energise you and relax your mind. Make a list of things that give you energy. Pick a few and try to make a ritual out of them. These can be very simple things; for example, a walk in the woods before work, reading a page from a good book or writing in a journal. Or you could choose social activities, such as going to a festival, a sports event or to a theatre or museum.
6. Communicate openly. Open communication with your manager and colleagues is important for a healthy work-life balance. Discuss any concerns or challenges you are experiencing and look for solutions together. If you are in a bit of a pinch privately, for example, mention this to your employer or manager. Generally, they will show understanding of the situation, and you will be given time to deal with it. Effective communication generally helps create understanding and ensures you receive the right support.
7. Dare to ask for help. You don't always have to do everything yourself. If an abundance of tasks overwhelms you, see which ones you can share. Also, dare to ask your colleagues to do the same. If there are colleagues who are inundated with work, you help them out. And it works both ways, you can delegate tasks if you are overwhelmed. Teamwork is hugely important in the workplace.
When it comes to a good work-life balance, we understand all too well that there’s no one size fits all. You can apply the above tips to your unique professional situation. So, if you want to find harmony between your professional commitments and personal life, try the tips that appeal to you most. Whether you are a personal healthcare assistant in elderly care or an income consultant at the municipality, there is always a way to improve your work-life balance.
Look forward to your work
At Maandag® there is always interesting and challenging work for you, no matter how much experience you have. We are interested in your interests and abilities. Thanks to our personal approach, we find the job that makes you happy at work.
View all vacancies or send an open application.