Jordhan Woods

For many, achieving a healthy work-life balance seems like an unattainable feat. Did you know that one-third of Brits check their work emails before 7:30 a.m. during the week?¹ In the UK, Britons are increasingly aware of the issue of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. But how exactly can you achieve doing well at work without losing time with your family? We have 10 tips to help you better accomplish both:

1. Limit Your Hours. The working week is officially limited to 48 hours in the UK.¹ That means, if you get into the office at 8 a.m., attempt to make an effort to begin leaving by or before 5 p.m. Most offices supply their employees with a laptop, so even if you have work to attend to later in the evening, head home to spend quality time with your loved ones first.
2. Time Management. Did your boss ask you to take on an extra responsibility or project that you know you do not have time to complete? You have two options: Shuffle around your commitments or just say no. Consider what responsibilities and activities you have going on in your personal life before you agree to take on a new obligation.
3. Bank Holidays. The UK has few public holidays compared to other European countries, but there are still a few. Take a peak ahead at your calendar and begin planning activities for the free days with your loved ones. It’s always great to have something to look forward to.
4. Ask for Help. Take a look at the pile of papers on your desk or your email inbox — are you immediately overwhelmed? It might be the best moment to request assistance. Refocus on your main priorities and dish out smaller projects if you are able to.
5. Plan an Annual Holiday. During the months of July and August, many British families take their annual holiday. So start scheduling yours! Submit your time off with your boss early and begin planning with your family. This will give you something to look forward to and something fun to plan with your loved ones.
6. Beware of Busy-ness. Being busy at work can be exciting and productive, but it can also take a toll on your personal life. Once a week, stop and take stock of your projects. Prioritize what needs to be completed immediately and what can be put off until next week. This will help with your stress and free up some of your time.
7. Unplug. In order to de-stress, you will need to build some uninterrupted thinking into your day. This means, put your smartphone on silent and put your laptop on sleep mode. Step away from your desk and try to suppress the feeling of wanting to respond immediately. At home, leave your smartphone far from your bedside and make it a personal habit not to check your email once you walk through the door.
8. Stop for Food. Whether you are working from home or in the office, have set times to stop working to eat a meal and hydrate. Keeping your body fueled up will help you have a more productive workday. If you can, try to have lunch with a loved one to make sure you get to spend some quality time together.
9. Keep Track. Do a test with your time. Figure out how much time you are spending on specific tasks for one week. Is there any way to reduce the hours on any of your work? Go over your log and create a plan of action for refocusing your efforts on what is important to you.
10. Open Your Options. A growing number of workplaces allow employees to work remotely or make their own flexible schedules. If that is an option available to you, try to work from home or somewhere you enjoy like a café once a week. This will give you the unique opportunity to work in a new setting that may make you more relaxed and productive.

References
¹BusinessCulture.org. (2014). Work life balance. Retrieved 30 January 2015 from http://bit.ly/1z757vW

Via OnStride Financial Blog