This informal CPD article, ‘Getting the Balance: Work and Wellbeing’, was provided by Hilda Campbell at COPE Scotland, experts in network weaving who offer tools and resources to support mental wellbeing and endurance to life stressors - for individuals, communities, and organisations.
In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving professional world, achieving and maintaining a balance between work and personal life is crucial. It is no longer sufficient to be merely productive; we must also be mindful of our well-being and the relationships we foster both inside and outside the workplace. This balance is not only essential for individual health and happiness but also for organisational success.
The Need for Balance
We live in a time where effective outcomes are important for organisational success. Every sector requires high performance, and employees are compensated to fulfil specific duties and responsibilities. However, the modern world presents external challenges that are beyond our control, requiring adaptability for organisations to thrive.
Despite these demands, it is important to remember that we are not machines. We are complex beings with needs that transcend the simple act of working to earn a living. For organisations to meet their objectives and for us to maintain a healthy balance between work, rest, and play, it is essential to manage the demands on our time and energy effectively.
The Culture of "Busy Bragging"
A common phenomenon in today's workplace is the tendency to constantly express how busy we are. This "busy bragging" can potentially harm our professional relationships, which are crucial in alleviating work pressure. We must question why there is a need to perpetuate this culture. Have we become so entrenched in the notion that being busy equates to being hardworking?
It is important to reflect on whether being busy always translates to being effective. In practice, it often does not. Busy bragging can create an unhealthy work environment where individuals feel compelled to appear occupied and overwhelmed to prove their diligence, which may contribute to burnout and reduced productivity.
Strategies for Achieving Balance
To achieve a sustainable work-life balance, it is vital to embrace realistic management of the challenges posed by the modern working world. Here are some strategies to help achieve this:
1. Prioritise Tasks
Identify and focus on tasks that are most important and time sensitive. By prioritising effectively, you can ensure that you are dedicating your energy to what truly matters, reducing unnecessary stress and pressure.
2. Set Boundaries
Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Communicate your availability to colleagues and set specific times to check emails or respond to work-related calls. This will help create a culture where being perpetually available is not expected.
3. Encourage Flexible Work Arrangements
Where possible, organisations should support flexible work arrangements, such as remote work or adjustable hours, to accommodate the diverse needs of employees. Flexibility is often associated with increased productivity and job satisfaction, supporting better work-life balance.
4. Foster an Open Culture
Promote open communication within the workplace. Encourage employees to voice their concerns and share their workloads. A supportive environment can alleviate feelings of stress and isolation, making it easier for everyone to manage their responsibilities. When times are challenging having a sense of being in it together can help, and remember, celebrate all successes not only those where someone has gone the extra mile. People should be valued for the job they do not only when they do something over and above their duty.
5. Focus on Well-being
Ensure that personal well-being is a priority. Encourage activities that promote physical health, mental wellness, and relaxation. There are many ideas online for selfcare, why not co design an ideas box with the teams of things which can be done in work as well as practiced outside of work e.g. ensuring people have lunch breaks and having a 10min walk group, or relaxation session, or simply the joy of sharing a new book someone has read or the latest gripping episode of a popular series on TV.
6. Leadership
Modelling behaviour which offers a work life balance is important not only for those leading teams but also for team members to share with each other. A work life balance is important for all the team and finding a way to ensure that while one group’s work life balance improves, another does not find they have now taken on more work.
Conclusion
Creating a balance that works for organisations, families, and individuals is not just a desirable goal; it is a necessity. By addressing the culture of busy bragging and implementing strategies to manage work-life demands, we can foster a healthier, more productive work environment. Ultimately, achieving this balance will lead to happier employees, more successful organisations, and a better quality of life for all.
We hope this article was helpful. For more information from COPE Scotland, please visit their CPD Member Directory page. Alternatively, you can go to the CPD Industry Hubs for more articles, courses and events relevant to your Continuing Professional Development requirements.
