Work Life Balance Exist

Dr. Priya Kalyanasundaram, Professor, SIMS

 What makes us so anxious that we need to nudge away our personnel plans for work and side line the people for whom we are working so hard. Do you remember skipping your lunch to complete your office work or sacrificing your vacation to complete your project or excusing yourself from your daughter’s school meeting for office crisis. How many times your colleagues and bosses have been around you to offer help when you are battling with a health crisis or family crisis?  None.

A research has been conducted for work life balance in four cities in India and it showed that Indians work around 2195 hours on an average every year above 1473 in Hamburg the city that was ranked among the top 3 for work life balance. Unlike the west a demand on response for mail and message is expected whether it is a holiday or during off duty hour. Mostly Indians are used to work “ beyond office hours “  and it has worsened with the digitally available era one lives in today you are on call 24*7 and in fact most of them say with pride. To enjoy a balance here are some few tips

• Having open discussion with employers: Have an open discussions with your employers and outline your expectation from the start work from home or working late to free weekend etc.
• Get Smart: To maintain a balance use new technology to make yourself efficient and productive so that you get more out of your time at work. Take your family for a break and do not multi task as it is more tasking and there are more chances of errors.
• Set Your Calendar in Advance: Take a stock of people and things that matters you beyond a fancy designation and if you are unavailable at memorable moments of your loved ones. It could strain your relationship. Highlight on your partner’s , children’s or parents birthday, PTA meeting and your annual holidays well in advance and this can help employers work around your plans. Doing this will ensure you that you don’t miss out quality time. Do the same for critical events at work place and this will help you to integrate the demand of both work and life.
• Self Care is Essential: Eat your food on time and spend atleast 30 minutes on your lunch break. Do not eat at your desk hangout with co- workers, laugh joke and lighten yourself. Develop your own cooling down mechanism like yoga, cooking, reading, playing with your kids or dog. Prioritise the importance and have the courage to say ‘NO’.

Let’s be real tomorrow when your walk away from the organisation. There is a replacement ready to fill your shoes and give careful considerations to your priorities.