Work-life balance refers to the level of prioritization between personal and professional activities in an individuals life and the level to which activities related to their job are present in the home. It is the equilibrium between personal life and career work. Work-life balance is bidirectional, meaning work can interfere with private life, and private life can interfere with work. Work-life balance can be beneficial, such as work-life enrichment, or adverse, such as work-life conflict.
The unique nature of each of our lives and our fluctuating responsibilities means that work-life balance and work-life integration look different for everyone. Its a constant negotiation about how—and where—you spend your time. In striving for greater work-life balance, you get to determine your priorities, whether theyre related to your work or personal life.
There is no magic formula for balancing work and life, nor one sure-fire amount of time you should allot to one versus the other. Work-life balance means you’re equally fulfilled by the duality of your personal life and your professional life. It also means one facet doesn’t dominate the other, and that when it comes time to switch gears, you feel energized by what’s in store for you that day.
Below are some tips for improving work-life balance:
- Set boundaries and stick to them
- Prioritize your tasks and responsibilities
- Learn to say no
- Take breaks and vacations
- Make time for hobbies and activities outside of work
- Practice self-care and stress management techniques
Work-life balance is a wellbeing issue, and promoting a healthy work-life balance means looking at the bigger picture – workload, health, well-being, socializing, restoration, and more.
