National Work-Life Week: Striking a Balance Between Work and Personal Life
As the nation celebrates National Work-Life Week, a recent YouGov report sheds light on the challenges faced by employees when it comes to maintaining a healthy work-life balance. According to the report, 43 per cent of individuals admit to regularly sending work emails outside of their designated work hours, citing overwhelming workloads as the main reason.
Interestingly, one in seven people express dissatisfaction with their current work-life balance. The demographic most likely to report unhappiness in this area includes individuals aged 25-34, single, and earning between £40k-£45k annually. Notably, 41 per cent of individuals in the 25-34 age group feel pressured to work outside of regular hours in order to impress their superiors.
Chris Reilly, the managing director of My Voucher Codes, emphasizes the importance of achieving a work-life balance, particularly for younger employees. He offers valuable advice for those struggling to juggle work and personal commitments:
‘Starting out in the workplace can be challenging, especially for recent graduates or school leavers who are eager to make a positive impression. My advice to young employees would be to prioritize community involvement over working late hours and focus on integrating into the office culture.’
Despite 83 per cent of workers acknowledging the significance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, many still find themselves working overtime or answering work-related calls outside of their designated hours. Chris Reilly shares his top tips for effectively managing time and achieving a more balanced lifestyle:
‘While occasional overtime may be necessary, I encourage employees to leave work at the end of the day whenever possible. If a task can wait until the next morning, prioritize your personal time.’
‘To establish a successful work-life balance, it’s crucial to plan your day or week in advance. Utilize a diary to set deadlines, outline tasks, and strategize how to accomplish them. This proactive approach can help declutter your mind and enhance productivity.’
‘If working outside of regular hours is unavoidable, consider starting your day earlier rather than staying late. This approach not only keeps your mind fresh but also allows you to enjoy your evenings uninterrupted.’
For more insights on achieving a healthy work-life balance, explore the following resources: