How can you maintain a healthy work-life balance?
When you're just starting out in your career, you want to perform well, but setting boundaries can be challenging. In fact, 31% of young professionals take on extra hours and heavy workloads. The result? Work and personal life start to blur, leaving little time for yourself, friends, exercise, and even groceries—leading to physical and mental stress. 😨 So, how can you create a healthy work-life balance? And how can you check if your balance is in good shape? Vitality expert Paul Zwama shares his tips!
What is work-life balance?
“Work-life balance isn’t about a strict separation between work and free time,” says vitality expert Paul. “It’s about having time for things that energise you and not feeling constantly drained. Ask yourself: do I feel good after a workday and still have energy left for other things?”
“When you’re just starting out, it can be challenging to find a good work-life balance. You want to prove yourself and might feel inclined to always be available, which makes it harder to set clear boundaries,” Paul explains.
What kind of workplace suits you best?
A good work-life balance looks different for everyone. Some people thrive on a 60-hour work week, while others feel happiest working 24 hours. Do you value working from home and setting your own schedule, or do you prefer structured office days? Finding what truly makes you happy at work often comes down to simple trial and error!
💡 Did you know that 70% of Gen Z would rather switch jobs if they don’t have a good connection with their colleagues? “A great way to test that connection beforehand is to grab lunch with your potential future colleagues. It gives you an immediate sense of the atmosphere!”
“If you notice that you've been dreading work for three months straight, it’s time to take action.”
How to recognize the signs
It can be challenging to realise you’re out of balance, especially when you’re busy and have little time to reflect on how you’re organizing your life. Watch out for these signs:
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Relationships: You’re seeing friends and family less often, and it’s impacting your connections. You’re less engaged in conversations and feel an emotional distance from those closest to you.
Working towards a better work-life balance
- Learn to express your needs: As a starter, you want to prove yourself. But remember, setting boundaries is a sign of strength, not weakness. “If you want a regular time to exercise, a break for a walk, or simply time to recharge, communicate this to your manager,” advises Paul.
Young professional Beshoy learned a lot about setting boundaries and asking for help during his traineeship. Curious about his insights? Read his story!
- Organise: Use simple tools like Trello or a planner to organize your day. For example, try the Eisenhower matrix as a helpful tool.
- Schedule breaks: “Breaks are just as important as work meetings. Whether it’s a short walk or simply taking your eyes off the screen, plan these moments in. It helps you stay focused.”
- Say ‘no’ when needed: “It can be hard to say ‘no’ to extra work, but sometimes it’s essential to prevent burnout.”
- Take good care of yourself: “Your lifestyle outside of work greatly affects your energy levels. Are you getting enough exercise? And do you have healthy habits? Think about getting sufficient sleep, eating nutritious meals, and staying hydrated. Try meditation, breathing exercises, or yoga to truly unwind.”
“Sometimes employees don’t raise their concerns because they feel nothing will change. But there are often more options than you think.”
Start the conversation!
Do you feel a work-life imbalance? If so, it’s important to open up a conversation with your manager. A talent manager can assist you with this. “Sometimes employees hold back from raising their concerns, thinking that nothing can change. But there are often more options than you might realise,” says Paul.
“Employers can make adjustments in your role, such as offering more flexibility or different responsibilities, which can directly boost your energy levels. By having this discussion, you give both yourself and your employer the chance to work together on solutions without it necessarily leading to a departure.”
How to have a work-life balance conversation with your manager
Find a role that truly suits you!
A job that energises you is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Recruiter Wessal is happy to chat with you about what suits you best!
