how should women approach the work-life balance?

The work/life balance was probably easier to achieve in the past. A culture of presenteeism within businesses who wanted their workforce in one place and the absence of the internet meant people were more likely to have set hours then go home to their families. However, smartphones, cloud technology, and Wi-Fi have brought the office much closer to us and we now have remote access to our emails, files and desktops 24-hours a day.



Flexible working offers many advantages and is great for business growth but sometimes work can take over a bit too much, life suffers and the balance is skewed. This is especially difficult for businesswomen or “mumpreneurs” who often have family and childcare commitments to consider as well.



So how do you lead a fulfilling work-life but leave time for you and your family? We’ve outlined a few principles to consider for those who are struggling to maintain the great balance act. 

Work and home duties should receive the same level of attention

How many of us have been guilty of checking emails when we’re supposed to be out to dinner or brushing aside the pleas of our children to speak to a client? It’s all too easy to allow home life to suffer but it should be given equal billing alongside work. Make time for responsibilities at home and put them in the diary just as you would a work appointment. 

“You wouldn’t be late for a client, so don’t be late for your kids,” says Gina Rivera, co-founder of beauty franchise Phenix Salon Suites. “So, if you're going to pick them up after school, be on time. That sets a standard of respect and demonstrates that they are a priority”.

Balance requires sacrifice

Much as we like to think we are superwomen, sadly we’re not and to achieve a work/life balance something has got to give. Whether this is skipping an after-work networking event or walking away from a more demanding job opportunity, there will always be aspects of your professional life which will stand in the way of familial responsibilities and these need to be considered carefully. 

Sally Orman Schnall, an author and mother-of-three, interviewed dozens of women to find out how they coped balancing work commitments with family responsibilities.

She says, “No one really does “it all”. Everyone’s making sacrifices somewhere. And that should make us all feel a little better.

“I might not get to pursue all the professional opportunities I want, [but] I’m getting to do things that ultimately nourish my values even more.”

 

Never neglect yourself

With so much going on it’s easy to put yourself on the bottom of your to-do list after work, emails, kids, partner, cooking, cleaning, housework and so on. But if you don’t make time for yourself all those tasks will suffer and gradually grind you down. Although there may feel like there is a never-ending to-do list, finding time to enjoy your own hobbies or interests is essential to your well-being and will only have a knock-on effect if left neglected. 



Hannah Martin, founder of the Talented Ladies Club, says, “Carve out some time that fulfils you outside of work. For me it was as simple as taking a regular walk on the beach.”

 

Turn it off

Switching off is one of the hardest things for people to do but it is worth it. You may find it makes you more productive in the end because it allows you to enjoy the other pleasures in life and return to work refreshed and rested.

Craig Cincotta, of Porch.com, says, “Pretty much every piece of technology has an off button, so use it. 

“When you unplug and step back you will start to experience one of life’s greatest treasures – perspective.”

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