Maximizing Productivity and Minimizing Stress: Techniques for Better Work-Life Balance

Work-life balance is crucial for maintaining long-term happiness. It helps reduce stress while still improving your output on the job. But do you have the right techniques to develop the ideal equilibrium?

It’s an important question. A survey conducted by Deloitte found that more than three-quarters of workers (77%) have experienced burnout at their current jobs. That indicates that most people push themselves too hard at work without an adequate safety valve in their outside lives.

Often, people realize this but worry that easing up on the job will hamper their careers. However, you shouldn’t see it as a tradeoff. Typically, a strong work-life balance leads to even better performance at work. One study suggested that a healthy equilibrium has been associated with a 21% boost in productivity.

Part of the secret comes from choosing the right job. A top recruiter, like SmartTalent, can point you in the right direction. Reach out to SmartTalent to find the ideal situation for you.

Beyond locating a high-value employer, there are other steps you can take. Here are some techniques you can use to achieve a better work-life balance, allowing you to maximize productivity and minimize stress:

Maintain Open Communication

Talk to the people around you as you try to develop a strong work-life balance. After all, your ability to maintain this equilibrium impacts others as well. Their input, as well as their help, will be key to creating a long-term structure that will keep everyone happy.

There are several groups to consider:

• Your Loved Ones: Start with the home front. Let your loved ones know about your work goals. This way, they’ll understand what you want to accomplish and can give you the support you need.
• Your Supervisors: On the other side of things, let your managers know about your responsibilities outside of work. This information will help them understand your scheduling requirements and any flexibility you need.
• Your Coworkers: Get support from your workmates. They can fill in for you if you’re needed at home. At the same time, you can offer the same kind of assistance to them. This kind of solidarity will contribute to a better work-life balance for everyone, as well as improved cooperation.

These communications get easier when you have the right people around you. SmartTalent can help you find the ideal job with supervisors and coworkers who can help you achieve your work-life goals.

Create an Integrated Schedule

At both home and work, you have probably mastered (well, tried to master) the art of balancing competing claims on your time. You constantly juggle multiple deadlines at work. At home, you have friends, family, chores, and hobbies all clamoring for your attention.

A strong work-life balance involves integrating these processes. Build a schedule that includes the important aspects from both spheres. Prioritize the key deadlines for each and do your best to find adequate time for them.

Here are a few tips to help you in this process:

• Know Your Ideal Work Rhythms: Figure out when you are most productive at work. Make sure you can leverage these moments of high activity. At other times, you can be more flexible.
• Identify Key Moments Outside of Work: Flag important events outside of work. These include anniversaries, birthdays, activities for your kids, and vacations. Set aside these key dates.
• Stick to Your Schedule: Creating a schedule is just the first step. From there, you need to show discipline on both fronts — making sure you fulfill your commitments both at home and at work.

Take a Long-Term View

As you review your work-life balance, don’t get overly concerned about the short term. It’s important to review the situation from a broad perspective, making sure you can consistently maintain your equilibrium into the foreseeable future.

Also, remember that your requirements will likely change over time. What represents a good work-life balance now might seem out of whack down the road. As a result, routinely review your situation. Your equilibrium might need occasional adjusting.

Ready to find the perfect job for you? SmartTalent can guide you to situations that let you get the most out of every aspect of your life.

Contact SmartTalent today to learn more.