Summer has arrived, and longer days and thoughts of family vacations, beach trips, and barbecues make it hard to focus on work. These distractions are a clue that it’s time to improve your work-life balance, something often overlooked in today’s competitive work climate.
It’s difficult to juggle personal time and professional responsibilities, and easy to push relationships, hobbies, and vacation time to the back burner. The long work hours and erratic schedules common in the hospitality industry make finding a healthy work-life balance even more difficult — but also more important.
Benefits of a Healthy Work-Life Balance
Stress kills. And, according to Mental Health America, more than 25 percent of Americans describe themselves as “super stressed.” Even if you enjoy your job, it’s crucial to strive for a healthy work-life balance to keep yourself mentally, physically and emotionally healthy. Just remember: There is no such thing as a perfect balance; they key is figuring out what works for you.
Improving your work-life balance can:
- boost your productivity at work and home;
- reduce stress and associated health problems;
- prevent or ease depression, anxiety, and more;
- strengthen relationships with family and friends; and
- give you more “you time” to pursue interests.
6 Ways to Improve Your Work-Life Balance
- Make downtime a goal. Add relaxing activities — cooking, reading, or whatever you enjoy — to your weekly schedule, but have an honest conversation with yourself first. If time out with friends or renovating your kitchen leaves you mentally and physically drained, it doesn’t count as downtime.
- Don’t bring work home, ever! Your body and mind need weekends and vacations to disconnect and rest. If your work days and weekends blur together, set limits on email and computer use at home. Most work problems can wait until you’re back in the office.
- Schedule time with family. Set aside time for your family every week; they should be a top priority in your life. Plus, a strong support network of friends, family and close associates will only make you more successful.
- Turn off distractions. Your phone, Facebook, and even television prevent you being fully present in your non-work life. Unplug, set all distractions aside, and focus on activities you enjoy. When you crave social media, go for a walk with your partner or spend 20 minutes meditating.
- Communicate your needs. Feeling burned out or struggling to find time for errands? Ask your boss for flexible hours or a work-from-home day. More and more companies are giving employees control over their schedule, boosting productivity and morale. But you can’t take advantage of this perk if you don’t ask for it.
- Set manageable goals at work and home. Don’t be afraid to say “no” if something isn’t on your list for the day. By focusing only on what needs to get done, you avoid the time-suck of trying to please everyone, and you’ll accomplish more and feel less stressed at the end of the day.
Make Balance a Priority
It isn’t always easy to achieve a healthy work-life balance in today’s competitive and unpredictable business world, but it’s essential you make it a priority. At Gecko Hospitality, we specialize in placing the right candidate in the right role at the right time. If your goal is to improve your work-life balance now (and it should be!), contact our hospitality recruiters for help.
