Is Work-Life Balance Possible for Employees in This Age?

The age of constant contact between places of work and employees is here, and this can mean tasks are completed quickly and businesses can handle more and more clientele. But, with all of this communication, employees can become quickly overwhelmed and stressed due to not feeling as if they can escape work pressures, although technically, they’re not “on the clock.” Here are a couple of ways that you, as an employee, can find a better work life balance even with the tightest of work schedules.

Communicate Clearly with Your Employer

First of all, be sure that you understand how much extra time your employer is demanding of you. Ask them about what their needs are when you are away from your workplace, and reach an agreement that works for both of you. For example, evaluate the need to be more efficient while at the office and during work hours. Evaluate the way tasks are currently prioritized and organized. This evaluation may be all that is needed.

Be prepared for this conversation by having written copies of your company’s after-hours and communication policies. If you don’t have a copy, it may be a good idea to make a general request to obtain copies of them from your company’s HR department. By giving your employer a listening ear and being professionally prepared, you will show them that you’re maintaining professionalism.

Also, if you are feeling pressured to come in and work or answer messages, while taking time off or when not at your workplace, then it may be time to pose the question to your supervisor of whether or not your response to messages is required while taking care of a sick child, at a doctor’s appointment, etc. We all have emergencies that arise, and sometimes, there is just no way to focus on a task while away from your workplace. Once again, if you or your supervisor is unsure, you can ask an HR representative together.

Draw Boundaries

Once you’ve had the conversation I talked about in the previous section with your supervisor, it is now the right time to set boundaries by turning off your work phone during important family events. Also, be certain that you have appropriate away messages on your voicemail and work email account. Schedule those away messages for times when you are out of the office. This adds a professional touch to setting work/life boundaries, and shows your employer that you have put thought into the fact that you may not always be available and are not simply avoiding contact with them.

Take time off when you begin to experience burnout. Let’s be honest, even if you are a little bit of a workaholic because you love your job, you can experience burnout. Spend that time doing something that relaxes you and enjoy every minute of it. Let your workplace know that you will not be answering voicemails or emails during this time, and enjoy yourself!

Even though it may seem impossible to achieve any work/life balance in this day and age of constant communication through social media, emails, and conference calls, a better work/life balance is possible. By communicating clearly with your employer and drawing a couple of simple boundaries, you can lead a more well-rounded life and in the long run be a better employee because you can leave more of your work responsibilities, well, at work.