Achieving work-life balance in an extremely fast-paced world might seem like an elusive dream or like walking on a tightrope! The need to get more done in a short time, and the pursuit of bigger promotions and heftier paychecks, often push employees in the Gulf region to work more than they actually can. This is the reason why in a recent Monster social media survey, 60% of the Facebook audience said that they had no work-life balance. Also, the participants on both Facebook and Twitter felt that Gulf companies do not fare well when it comes to providing work-life balance to employees.
Monster has launched the Work Life Balance campaign to raise awareness on this issue and to encourage job seekers to go for the jobs that help them manage their work and personal lives in a more efficient manner.
Overstress can wreak havoc in your life
The lack of work-life balance can hamper your health and mental peace, relationships, hobbies, and eat into your leisure time. You might experience constant exhaustion, and the stress could even trigger high blood pressure leading to clinical anxiety.
The perpetual exigencies of the corporate world can leave you with hardly any time to recharge your batteries and feel enthused. On the contrary, it may encourage unhealthy habits like eating junk food, smoking, and leading a sedentary life. So, it’s essential to find ways to achieve work-life balance without risking your career or alienating your loved ones.
- Discuss boundaries with your employer: Taking work back home every day is a habit that is best avoided. So, discuss your schedule with your employer and provide a realistic number of days when you can work overtime, only if required. Explore the possibility of flexible work hours with your supervisors as that could be the best way to ensure work-life balance. According to Monster’s survey on Facebook, around 80% of the respondents who worked in the Gulf believe flexible timings can improve job satisfaction levels. But, ensure that working from home doesn’t mean that you are 24×7 accessible on email and phone calls. So, set the limits beforehand.
- Get your priorities straight: Every day, decide how much time you wish to devote to each set of tasks, and prioritize what should be done first and what later. Figure out when you are the most productive and reserve complex tasks for that particular time. Also, try to refuse tasks or errands which are not your responsibility or can be easily done by someone else.
- Reassess your household responsibilities – Work-life balance also means you should avoid wasting time on household chores that can be delegated or shared. For instance, getting help for cleaning your home or hiring someone to walk your pet dog can be of immense help. You will get to spend more time with loved ones and do activities that all enjoy.
- Request help when needed – If you need help with a mammoth project or meeting a very tight deadline, reach out to colleagues. At home too, if your hands are full with several chores, ask your partner or other family members for help. They can take care of the kids for example, while you prepare meals. Or request a friend to pick up something for you if it’s convenient for them.
- Take out time for yourself – Always make time for your hobby. Or, make time to watch your favorite show, read a book, hit the gym or practice meditation. These will help you unwind, feel fresh and give you the energy to face a new day. Get sufficient sleep of 7 to 8 hours, avoid using electronic gadgets in the bedroom and eat healthy.
Following the above tips can set the stage for work-life balance, even if you cannot achieve it quickly. So, decide what you want from your job, family, and life in general, and plan accordingly.
And if you are looking for a job, Find Better Faster with Monster, the official supporter of Work Life Balance.
