The elusive work-life balance: everyone has heard about it, but it can be a hard concept to capture.
But, while balancing one’s home life with one’s work life can be difficult, it’s well worth the effort.
“If you don’t have a work-life balance, one of the two will suffer,” said Patti-Jay Powell, executive director of Community Futures Centre West.
“From a work perspective, employees are generally not productive when their home life is in disarray.”
Community Futures Centre West, a non-profit organization, provides business services and tools to rural business owners seeking help. The organization’s experts offer counselling and advice, along with consulting services.
Powell said there are a number of tips the centre provides small business owners with when asked about striking a work-life balance. A selection of these tips are listed below:
Set priorities: Powell said it’s important to try to outline priorities from the onset. “With so many demands for our time, it’s hard to be everything to everyone.”
Negotiate flex and part-time hours: Employees should consider negotiating with their employers to establish a flexible work schedule, she suggested. This would allow the employee the time to drop children off at school, but to work later into the night to ensure career-related tasks are met.
Take time for yourself: Employees need to make their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing a priority, said Powell. This could be anything from hitting the gym, to getting outside, to spending time with pets and loved ones.
Share the business with your family: Powell suggested involving your partner and children into the business process. “This doesn’t mean taking your kids to work, but communicating with them and making them aware of what goes on at work.”
For additional tips on striking a work-life balance, or to learn more about the services offered by Community Futures Centre West, visit centrewest.albertacf.com.
