During our lifetime, we spend an average of 90,000 hours working, which is over a third of the average 76-year lifespan.  Thus, finding time to spend with family or enjoy leisure activities is no easy task. In addition, events of recent years have had an impact on our livelihoods, creating uncertainty for many businesses, and additional pressure and job insecurity for employees. The fallout has been additional workloads, learning new skills and adapting to new ways of working – all of which potentially eat up more of our free time. 

During the pandemic a huge number of us worked from home, and many of us are still enjoying the benefits of working either solely from home, or on a hybrid basis. Working in the comfort of our own homes, whilst still having access to work colleagues and resources, has provided the flexibility that many of us would be reluctant to give up. However, working from home doesn’t guarantee that we balance our personal and professional lives. In-fact for some, working from home makes it harder to achieve a positive work-life balance. 

Keeping your work-life balance in check is about being as productive as you can be at work, thus freeing up time for leisure, boosting your mental wellbeing and happiness in the process.

A Dedicated Space 

If you worked from home throughout the lockdowns, you’ll be all too aware of how chaotic life can become.  Setting up your desk at the kitchen table or working from your laptop in the living room will hinder productivity and can also increase stress levels. If you haven’t already, be sure to set up a dedicated workspace so that your work and home lives are strictly separated. 

If you don’t have a spare room or other suitable area which can be used as a study, the best option is a multi-purpose room. You can give a room an additional function by making the most of your space with a fitted furniture design. Replace an existing bed with a wall-bed, which will fold tidily away during the day, and install an integrated desk and storage for your resources and equipment. By having a dedicated workspace, you are less likely to be distracted during working hours and can mark the end of the working day by physically walking away from your work area.

Priorities and Schedules 

By identifying priorities and setting measurable goals you will be able to manage your time better. Carefully consider all your home and work tasks and order them in terms of urgency and importance. Once you’ve allotted approximate timings to tasks, you can then plan out your week ahead.

Often our work diaries and personal calendars are kept separate, however it’s a good idea to have a schedule which covers both your professional and your personal life. Clashes can then be avoided, items can be added or edited seamlessly, and your schedule will run more smoothly.  Whether you use planning software or a physical diary, include all weekly items from work tasks and meetings to medical appointments, gym classes and family Sunday lunches!

Make Time for ‘Me Time’ 

When setting your schedule, don’t forget to include time for yourself. Work, family and relationships will take priority for most of us, but it is imperative that we spend time on ourselves. The joy of setting a schedule is you can plan well in advance, so view it as an opportunity to set aside some ‘me time’.  Small things like an hour watching a favourite TV show or a pamper evening at home shouldn’t be too difficult to slot in. Activities that take up more time can be planned well ahead. Ring-fence a slot in your schedule for a weekend away and book the tickets in advance. 

Do What You Love  

In an ideal world, we’d all do a job that we’re passionate about and that brings us fulfilment. Being unhappy at work will negatively impact your work-life balance as it will affect your overall mood. Changing your job or even career is easier said than done; there are many factors at play when you alter something so life changing, which, of course, is exactly the point!  

If a new career is too dramatic an option, list the specific aspects of your job that you find particularly difficult or draining. Once identified, solutions can then be considered, either by discussing the issues with your employer or by making changes which are within your control. Ensure you do what you love when you’re not working too. If you have a hobby or interest that makes you happy, set time aside each week to enjoy it. 

Seek Assistance  

If your schedule seems overwhelming and completing all essential tasks leaves little or no time for recuperation, it’s probably time to ask for help. We’re all guilty of overdoing it at some point, but we’re only human and we can only take on so much before the cracks begin to show. A frank conversation with family members or colleagues might initiate a lightening of the load. Work tasks could be delegated more appropriately, and family responsibilities could be planned differently to alter the status quo.

At Hartleys we’re experienced in designing work from home spaces which make working more comfortable, enjoyable and therefore more productive. From spacious, ergonomic desks to effective storage, our aim is to make your work set-up as efficient as possible, leaving time for you to do the things you love the most. You can call us to chat to one of our design team on 01756 700471, visit our website or pop by our Yorkshire factory / showroom.