The Importance of a Healthy Work-Life Balance
Andy Cakebread
31 August 2023
Smartphones have made us reachable 24/7, demanding our attention morning, noon, and night. And while that’s great for some high-strung managers, it’s not so fun when work squeezes into our “me time” acting like an uninvited guest who eats all the biscuits.
It’s during these times that we ask ourselves, “How do we separate our working hours from our personal hours, especially when the lines are blurred?”
Fear not, this article from Thankbox can help. If you ever find your job elbowing its way into cherished personal times, you might need to re-evaluate your healthy work-life balance.
Let’s get started.
What is a healthy work-life balance?
A healthy work-life balance secures the sweet spot between your professional and personal life. It isn't just splitting your day 50-50, but rather ensuring both aspects coexist without stepping on each other’s toes.
With research revealing 57% of employees consider a healthy work-life balance a deal-breaker when considering a role, businesses should strive for better company values. Remember, “happy employees, healthy business!”
Here’s where Thankbox can help!
Thankbox isn’t just another tool – it’s a philosophy that champions employee well-being, recognises the need for downtime, and promotes a culture of appreciation via its group e-cards and gift cards.
By celebrating birthdays, employee anniversaries, and congratulations in the workplace, businesses actively foster an environment where a healthy work-life balance isn't just encouraged – it's celebrated!
Ready, set, go appreciate and feel better
We love to be loved and feel great when we appreciate. Don't wait. Show coworkers what the team thinks and see what happens to everyone's wellbeing. It'll take you seconds to get going and you'll never look back.
Thirteen benefits of maintaining a healthy work-life balance
Let's dive into why striking a balance between your job and personal life can give your health, attitude, and spirits a giant boost:
1. Improved mental health
Constantly wrapped up in work tasks can strain your mind, promoting grounds for anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Finding stability helps alleviate these strains, nourishing mental well-being.
2. Better physical health
Taking regular breaks isn’t just about mental relaxation. It’s an opportunity to stretch, take a long walk, or even engage in physical workouts (put on Rocky for some extra inspiration!).
Plus, avoiding lengthy work stints helps prevent occupational ailments.
3. Increased productivity
It's not about the hours you put in but the output. A rested and balanced individual can often achieve in four hours what a tired one might struggle to do in eight! Less is more when energy and focus are at their peak.
4. Boosted creativity
A mind exposed to varied experiences – a hobby, travel, or simply a day at the beach – returns refreshed. This rejuvenation spurs innovative ideas and out-of-the-box thinking. Ideal if you're looking to move up the ranks.
5. Lowered risk of burnout
A candle that burns at both ends won't last long. Similarly, non-stop work quickly drains your mental and physical reserves, leading to burnout. Regular pauses ensure your flame remains steady and bright.
6. Strengthened personal relationships
Moments with family and friends aren't just about relaxation – they're about catching up over coffee and building bonds. Time away from work allows these bonds to grow, which in turn boosts a stronger support system.
7. Enhanced job satisfaction
It’s simple – an employee who enjoys both their work and personal life is likely to be more satisfied and, as a result, more positive. This accomplishment often translates to better relationships at work and improved staff morale.
8. Reduced absenteeism
An individual with a balanced life has fewer reasons to take unexpected leaves. They're generally healthier, mentally and physically, and less prone to burnout – especially as full-time workers generally miss 3.9 days per year due to absenteeism.
9. Better work quality
A rested brain is more attentive to detail and less likely to make errors. Therefore, ensuring a balance between work and rest can directly influence the quality of work.
10. Higher employee retention rates
Companies that promote and respect work-life balance often experience lower turnover rates. Employees value their well-being and are more likely to stay for longer when they feel their needs are being met.
11. Greater emotional well-being
As you may have experienced, overworking can lead to emotional exhaustion. Balancing work and leisure allows your emotions to recalibrate, resulting in a happier disposition.
12. Better decision-making
When our brains aren't constantly in “work mode,” they process information more objectively. A clear head often leads to more sound and well-thought-out decisions, both in professional and personal settings.
13. A more engaging personal life
A good work-life balance doesn’t just boost work performance – it supercharges your personal life. With time to pursue passions, learn new skills, or even just relax, you’ll experience a more rounded and fulfilled life.
Seven ways to achieve a healthy work-life balance
When stress starts knocking on your door, it's time to evaluate your balancing act. Let’s look at some steps to help you get back on track:
Prioritise self-care: Always save some time for yourself. Whether it's a hobby, meditation, or watching your favourite series, it helps recharge your batteries.
Set clear boundaries: Decide when work starts and ends. Sometimes, that means telling your phone, “We need a break,” and indulging in a much-needed digital detox from work.
Learn to delegate: You might wear a superhero cape, but you don't need to do everything yourself. Share tasks and you might find you've got a better grip on your time.
Schedule regular breaks: Give yourself a breather now and then during work. It's amazing how a short break can pump up your productivity and mood.
Stay organised: Embrace tools, apps, or just good ol' planners. When you know what's coming up, tasks won’t ambush your good vibes.
Welcome flexibility: Trust us, it's okay to swap things around. If something personal crops up, adjust. Flexibility can reduce stress immensely.
Communicate needs: Talk with your managers or team about your needs and boundaries. When everyone's on the same page, things flow better. A workplace boasting peer-to-peer recognition lifts morale and strengthens team bonds.
Celebrate a healthy work-life balance with Thankbox
Take a moment for introspection. If emails are intruding on your weekends, it might be time to readjust. Remember, every small step you take towards a healthy work-life balance leads to a positive shift overall.
It's not just about juggling work and life – it's about ensuring each complements the other. And in this search for balance, let Thankbox be your partner. Dive into our platform and champion a life filled with professional and personal fulfilment.
Ready to start? Create a Thankbox today and prepare for smiles all around!
Ready, set, go appreciate and feel better
We love to be loved and feel great when we appreciate. Don't wait. Show coworkers what the team thinks and see what happens to everyone's wellbeing. It'll take you seconds to get going and you'll never look back.
Images: Cover | Health & burnout | Woman artist | Coffee shop couple | Woman at desk | Decision making | Woman relaxed
