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How to Achieve your Ideal Work-Life Balance


How to Achieve your Ideal Work-Life Balance
  • AuthorKatelyn Sawyer
  • DateMay 01, 2023
  • MediumNewsletter Article
Let’s look at some points to evaluate when determining your own work-life balance and whether your role supports your definition of it.

Work-life balance – we’ve all heard about the concept, but is it truly achievable? Let’s look at some points to evaluate when determining your own work-life balance and whether your role supports your definition of it.

 

 

  1. Define what work-life balance means to you.

 

A quick internet search can provide you with various definitions of the term work-life balance, but ultimately the true definition is personal. Additionally, defining your ideal work-life balance doesn’t necessarily mean achieving a perfect split of time between work and, well, the rest of your life. Work-life balance means that you can operate in a way that allows you to do your job while having the time or energy to tend to what is important in your personal life – yet it is rarely a true 50/50 split.

 

For some, a work-life balance means having time to raise a family, attend social events, play in that rec league, or travel the world. Some may find that their perfect work-life balance means having more time to continue their education, network with colleagues or complete that project they’ve been working on this quarter. For others, such as farmers or those that are self-employed, it can be even more complex to define a true work-life balance when the two are seemingly intertwined. Taking the time to define what your ideal work-life balance looks like is the first step in making it attainable.

 

 

  1. Establish separation when you can.

 

In the connected world we live in, it is so easy to blur the lines of when work begins and ends. With constant access to email or other work-related apps on our phones and devices, you can receive notifications after hours and be tempted to let them distract you from your personal life. One easy way to establish separation is to utilize quiet hours when you’re not on the clock. Turning on these in-app settings can help minimize work notifications when you’re off the clock and let you focus on being in the here and now. On the other hand, blocking off focus time regularly in your work schedule can help to diminish personal distractions during the workday, allowing you to tune into the project at hand and utilize your scheduled time effectively.

 

 

  1. Utilize those benefits.

Having benefits that are useful to your lifestyle can impact your overall work life balance. According to AgCareers.com’s 63% of candidates and employees considered benefits important or very important with regards to their necessity for job satisfaction.

 

Paid time off (PTO) and sick days are there for a reason – utilize them! In addition to short-term leave options, such as those previously mentioned, long-term leave options can also impact your work-life balance. Knowing that your company has leave options for big life events such as health procedures, losing a family member or becoming a parent can give you peace of mind and contribute to a better work-life balance by reducing worry on how to handle the professional impact of these changes.

 

 

  1. Consider the flexibility of your role.

 

It’s no secret that there are many flexible work options today for job seekers, and the flexibility you have with your role has an impact on your work-life balance! Fully remote roles allow folks to work from anywhere, which can be very impactful in allowing employees to work from more rural areas, where the standard of living may be more affordable or providing a lifestyle more in tune with those craving life in the country. For others, a hybrid schedule can be beneficial in achieving their ideal work-life balance by allowing them to collaborate in person on a regular basis while still have the opportunity to work from home.

 

Traditional work arrangements can aid in providing a more definitive separation of work and home life, benefiting those who enjoy a more conventional work routine. While a flexible work arrangement isn’t always possible or the right fit for every person, it is worth considering how a flexible work arrangement could impact your work-life balance.

 

 

  1. Take a pulse on your company’s culture.

 

When looking for a new role or evaluating your current position, ask yourself how the company promotes a work-life balance. Is leadership understanding of your time when you are out-of-office? Are you able to disconnect without interruptions? Does leadership also take time for themselves? Is the company understanding when “life” happens? A company culture that aligns with your priorities can help you in making your ideal work-life balance a reality.

 

 

Looking for more employee resources like this article? Check out AgCareers’s Career Success Library and follow us on social media.

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