Work-Life Balance in a Changing Economic Climate

Contributed by Alicia Anderson of AttacheServices.com

Usually, when we think of work-life balance we automatically picture examples of work encroaching upon our personal time and space. But now, the tables are turning – the scale is tipping. The pressures and stresses of our personal lives are overshadowing our ability to be productive and focused while at work.

Corporations continue to downsize, leaving smaller, heavily taxed workforces. The layoff ‘survivors’ not only have the pressure of keeping the business afloat with fewer resources but must also bear the weight of their personal challenges – retired parents who are worried that their savings will run out well before they planned, rising fuel and food costs, a job today but no guarantee of a job tomorrow, unemployed spouses still searching for employment, children feeling the tension at home as mom and dad argue over which tradeoffs to make, fewer options as banks tighten up lending practices. In this new work-life balance crisis, triggered by the dramatic shift in our economy, we can’t afford to be passive. The emotional and mental toll can be great and lead to disaster – both personally and professionally. But the right action can ease the pain of it all. What you as a boss can do:

• Provide support to your staff – via a forum, coach, or other resources to help deal with the real issues individuals are facing daily

• Be flexible – without crossing an ethical line, loosen up on some of the rules such as requiring employees to be in the office 5 days a week

• Strategize and clearly communicate the company priorities– focus on the big hitters – the most important activities the company needs to engage in and cancel the rest

What you as an employee can do:

• Be honest – take an honest look at how you are spending your money and energy, your unhealthy habits, or anything else you are involved in that is counterproductive. Get rid of sources of stress and any wasteful behavior.

• Hold on – Identify what you are unwilling to give up, then make adjustments to support this commitment. Don’t let life rob you of what you really value. Protect it.

• Let go – inevitably, something is going to have to give. Maybe it’s eating out, shopping, or luxuries. In order to protect what’s really important, you will need to make tradeoffs.

• Reach out to your support system – Make a pact with a friend or group of friends and touch bases on where you are with areas you’ve identified as needing changes, then hold each other accountable.

• Get grounded – Think back to your childhood or other happy times in your life and identify where your true strength lies. Is it in your faith in a higher power? Is it in your relationships? Is it in being close to nature? Is it in doing something you love? Is it in giving to other people? I doubt that it was in your net worth or job title. Return to that place and way of thinking and reconnect with the source of your strength and hope.

How we view the changes in the global markets and our economy will determine how we come out of this. You can maintain your balance and sanity. Companies can maintain their profitability and a motivated staff. We must choose to be proactive and adapt.