Work Life Balance

A new UK study shows that the majority of owners and directors of small businesses are taking far less leave each year than senior staff in larger organisations. Directors of small businesses say they can’t take two week holidays because their business needs them in the office, they need to be in work to make important decisions or they might miss out on new business opportunities. For those that do make it away, keeping in-touch with the office is still part of the package.

A recent BT "Business Office Anywhere" study found that 39% of owners and directors in businesses with up to 10 employees take 15 or less days holiday a year.

Here is a quote from my web site - "By 2020, W.H.O. (World Health Organisation) predicts that depression (and stress related illnesses) will be the second biggest health issue next to heart disease.
We live in a society, where we have become willing slaves to our work place and many are struggling in this hectic environment to find balance and peace of mind.
Stress in the workplace is at an all time high. We live in a society where emotional distress is at epidemic proportions."

I have developed my speaking and coaching services to offer corporate programmes in response to a tremendous need to create working environments that are stimulating, rewarding and balanced.

Let me share a few snippets with you now:

1. List your personal commitments in order of importance - family, extended family, friends, relaxation, hobbies or leisure activities.
2. Break your working day down into categories such as business development, internal meetings, client liaison and so on. Make a comprehensive list.
3. Allocate time to each activity in point 2 (include weekends).
4. Look at the big picture. Regardless of whether you think you have any choice, are you devoting too much time to work at the expense of your personal life? If you are and this is causing you anxiety, it’s time to act. Think about what your ideal work-life balance would be.
5. Look for a mentor/business friend/coach for input
6. Set realistic goals. If you work 12-hour days, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to change to eight-hour days straightaway. However, improved time-management can enable you to finish earlier - then reward yourself!
7. Be selfish with every second. Stop doing things that are a waste of your time. Rationalise it and use your time to the maximum benefit.
8. Improve your habits. We all make to-do lists... Now create stop lists i.e. stop checking email every hour – check it 9am and 5pm... stop watching so much television... stop that extra glass of alcohol...
9. Delegate tasks to others - learn to let go. If you work alone, consider outsourcing some of your management activities to external suppliers.
10. Remember to take regular breaks. Removing yourself from the location for some fresh air will make you less stressed, more focused and productive.