Work life balance

WORK-LIFE BALANCE

By: Ekorinyang Richard; MSc HSM

04/08/23

Outline

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Definition Simple principles Consequences of poor work-life balance Work-life programs in the U.S & EU Tips to reclaim control A part for the health manager Conclusion References

Work-life balance

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• Does not mean an equal balance. Trying to schedule an equal number of hours for each of your various work and personal activities is usually unrewarding and unrealistic.

• Will vary over time, often on a daily basis. The right balance for you today will probably be different for you tomorrow. The right balance for you when you are single will be different when you marry.

Work-life balance

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There is no perfect, one-size fits all, balance you should be striving for. The best work-life balance is different for each of us because we all have different priorities and different lives.

An effective work-life balance definition has two key everyday concepts that are relevant to each of us. They are daily Achievement and Enjoyment

Work-life balance

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• Achievement and Enjoyment answer the big question "Why?" Why do you want a better income…a new house…to do a good job today…to come to work at all?

• In this case, enjoyment does not just mean happiness. It means Pride, Satisfaction, Happiness, Celebration, Love, A Sense of Well Being …all the Joys of Living.

Work-life balance

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Achievement and Enjoyment are the front and back of the coin of value in life. You can't have one without the other.

Trying to live a one sided life is why so many "Successful" people are not happy, or not nearly as happy as they should be.

Work-life balance

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Is Meaningful daily Achievement and Enjoyment in each of the four life quadrants: Work, Family, Friends and Self.

When was the last time you Achieved AND Enjoyed something at work, with your family your friends or just for yourself?

Simple principles

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At work you can create your own best Work-Life Balance by making sure you not only Achieve, but also reflect the joy of the job, and the joy of life, every day.

If nobody pats you on the back, pat yourself on the back. And help others to do the same.

Simple principles (cont)

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When you are a person that not only gets things done, but also enjoys the doing, it attracts people to you.

They want you on their team and they want to be on your team.

Consequences of poor work-life balance

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• When your work life and personal life are out of order, your stress levels are likely to shoot up.

• Fatigue – Ability to work productively and think clearly may suffer & may lead to dangerous or costly mistakes.

Consequences of poor work-life balance (cont)

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Lost time with friends and loved ones. If you're working too much, you may miss important family events or milestones. It's also difficult to nurture friendships if you're always working.

Increased expectations. If you regularly work extra hours, you may be given more responsibility. This may lead to only more concerns and challenges.

Work-life programs in the U.S & EU

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Program U.S EU

Work hours

workers limited from working more than 40 hours a week

Maximum hours by EU is 48 hours per week

Paternity Leave

U.S is 12 weeks but 19% of companies go beyond this

EU directive has it that paternity leave is 2 weeks’ paid leave.

Childcare In-house child care facilities, after school programs, subsidized child care, and referral services

Childcare subsidies available throughout the EU, but the cost remains a controversial. In the UK, parents pay higher childcare costs.

Vacation Most companies give vacation days but vary in policies

employees receive 4 weeks mandatory vacation.

Telecommuting

Currently 30 percent of U.S. firms allow some form of telecommuting

Throughout Europe more than 50% work from home.

Tips to reclaim control (cont)

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• Track your time. Track everything you do for one week, including work-related and personal activities. Decide what's necessary and what satisfies you the most.

• Take advantage of your options. Ask your employer about flex hours, telecommuting or other scheduling flexibility. The more control you have over your hours, the less stressed you're likely to be.

• Learn to say no. Whether it's a co-worker asking you to spearhead an extra project, remember that it's OK to respectfully say no.

Tips to reclaim control (cont)

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• Leave work at work. Make a conscious decision to separate work time from personal time. When you're with your family, for instance, turn off your cell phone and put away your laptop computer.

• Manage your time. Put family events on a weekly family calendar and keep a daily to-do list. Do what needs to be done and let the rest go.

Tips to reclaim control (cont)

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Have your support system. At work, join forces with co-workers who can cover for you and vice versa e.g. when family conflicts arise.

Nurture yourself. Eat healthy foods, exercises and get enough sleep. Set aside time each day for an activity that you enjoy, such as watching football or reading.

A part for the health manager

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“Encourage the people to have a life in order to get most out of them”

Encourage the employees to express their dissatisfaction and learn how to handle them by using a special committee.

Ensure that employees follow shifts/ duty roster.

Plan and budget for recreation activities Have family get together, day out or retreats

Lack of Delegation

Administrator going to bank Administrator on her desk

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Stressful Moments

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A time for Massage & Exercise

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Recreation Area

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Conclusion

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Remember, striking a healthy work-life balance isn't a one-shot deal. Creating work-life balance is a continuous process as your family, interests and work life change. Periodically examine your priorities — and make changes, if necessary — to make sure you're keeping on track.

References

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Joshi et al (2002).Work-Life Balance: A Case of Social Responsibility or Competitive Advantage? Available at: http://www.worklifebalance.com/assets/pdfs/casestudy.pdf

Bird (2006).Work-life balance doing it right and avoiding the pitfalls. Available at: http://www.worklifebalance.com/assets/pdfs/article3.pdf

European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms; Updated 12 March, 2007. Available at: http://www.eurofound.europa.eu/areas/industrialrelations/dictionary/definitions/europeanconventionfortheprotectionofhumanrightsandfundamentalfreedoms.htm

04/08/23