Lead by example: work-life balance for your team
Mon 02 April 2012
, LEAP redaktie, LEAP
Almost half of adults aged 16 and over in Great Britain recently reported a ‘relatively low’ satisfaction with their work-life balance, according to findings from the Office for National Statistics. The same might well go for other European countries. Here are some tips for senior managers to help those in their teams juggling better. And some tips for those who don’t have much control over the hours they have to work to bring more balance in their daily routines.
Managers need to give the example: in work-life balance as well
1. Lead by example.
No matter how progressive, inclusive, and flexible your policies are, they won’t mean squat if you don’t put some muscle behind them. Your employees look to you for clues that they can take well-deserved breaks without leaving the business in the lurch. (Keep in mind, too, that ensuring your employees take accrued paid-vacation days will reduce the company’s financial liability.)
2. Play fair.
Flexibility won’t be questioned as long as positive performance and achievement are rewarded. If your team sees how hard you work, then they will most likely understand when you need to leave a little early or come in a little later. Communicate your priorities and expectations clearly. And provide team members who go above and beyond those expectations with public recognition so you can reward their hard work with well-earned trust and flexibility.
Giving employees a bit of flexibility, when they’ve consistently delivered on their commitment to the team, can be a huge morale booster and retention tool. So if one of your team members asks to arrive an hour late on Thursdays so she can attend her favourite spinning class, and it doesn’t disrupt her team or preclude her performance, give her a break. Such kindnesses – with the understanding that accommodations mustn’t affect performance – will go a long way to building trust and respect in the workplace.
Not much control over working hours? Focus on the things you can control.
1. Build downtime into your schedule.
When you plan your week, make it a point to ‘officially’ schedule time with your family and friends and activities that help you recharge. You’ll have something to look forward to and an extra incentive to manage your time well so you don't have to cancel. If there's nothing on the schedule, time tends to get frittered away and the week may end without spending quality time.
2. Drop activities that sap your time or energy
Take stock of activities that aren't really enhancing your career or personal life and minimizing the time you spend on them. Skip the coffee with the negative colleague who goes on and on about what’s wrong with the company, spend less time on the web or on personal calls. Don’t take over somebody else’s activities because you’re you so much better at it.
3. Rethink your errands.
Consider whether you can outsource any of your time-consuming household chores or errands. Order your groceries online and have them delivered. Hire the neighbour’s kids to mow the lawn. Even if you're on a tight budget, you may discover that the time you'll save will make it worth it.
4. Get moving.
It's hard to make time for exercise when you have a jam-packed schedule, but experts say that it may ultimately help you get more done by boosting your energy level and ability to concentrate.
5. Remember that a little relaxation goes a long way.
Don't get stressed by assuming that you need to make big changes to bring more balance to your life. Set realistic goals, like trying to leave the office earlier one night per week. Slowly build more activities into your schedule that are important to you. One hour a week for you’re your hobby, one weekend getaway with your spouse once a year. Even during a hectic day, you can take 10 or 15 minutes to do something that will recharge your batteries. Take a bath, read a fashion magazine, watch a soap.
Print