‘I Demand Work-Life Balance’

Teresa Rand

‘I Demand Work-Life Balance’
Contributed Advisory by Teresa Rand, the former president and CEO at the YMCA and the founder of Teresa Rand Consulting

Let me begin with a core belief that I have: Work-life balance is a myth.

There is no such thing and we are setting ourselves up for disappointment when we strive for this unreachable target. Now, don’t stop reading…. hear me out.

I am not saying that we should not strive for a healthy balance between our work and our personal life.

It is a crucial aspect of maintaining mental and physical well-being, ensuring productivity and nurturing personal relationships. Striking the right balance between can be challenging, especially in a fast-paced, demanding work environment.

I only mean that having a complete balance every day is not realistic.

Often, we are having great success at work and things might not be going so well at home. Other times, it is just the opposite, home is going great but work, not so much.

Work-life balance refers to the equilibrium between the time and energy you dedicate to your professional responsibilities and those allocated to personal life, family and leisure. Achieving this balance is essential for one’s health and wellbeing, productivity and creativity and job satisfaction. 

Achieving it looks different for each person. You must decide what works for you that makes you happy and productive. It is ultimately your responsibility, not your employer’s.

However, one key factor in achieving this is effective communication with management. Your employer wants you to be balanced because it is beneficial to you and to them

It’s crucial to communicate your needs effectively. This communication will lead to a mutual understanding of how management may accommodate your needs while you also getting the job done. Your managers cannot read your mind. This requires conversations and expressing your desires. 

When your manager knows your needs, they are more likely to offer you solutions that work for you and for them.

They want to retain good employees, so most likely they will be open to suggestions on how to make sure the job fits well with your home life.

When employees and employers work together there is better employee engagement which improves productivity and decreases employee turnover. This is a win-win for all parties.

Now that we understand the importance of work-life balance and communicating needs to management, let’s explore some effective strategies to initiate these conversations:

1. Self-Assessment: Be clear about your needs. Before approaching management, conduct a self-assessment. Reflect on your work requirements, personal priorities and the specific changes needed to achieve a better balance.

2. Research: Familiarize yourself with your organization's policies and any existing programs related to work-life balance. This will help you frame your requests within the context of the company’s values.

3. Choose the Right Time: Schedule a meeting with your supervisor or HR manager at a time that’s convenient for both parties. Avoid busy periods when urgent matters may take precedence.

4. Prepare Your Pitch: Clearly articulate your needs and preferences. Explain how the proposed changes will benefit both you and the organization. Be concise and persuasive in your communication.

5. Emphasize the Business Case: Whenever possible, tie your request to how it can positively impact the company. For instance, mention how better work-life balance can lead to higher productivity, reduced absenteeism or increased employee retention.

6. Be Open to Compromise: Be willing to compromise with management. Be open to alternative solutions that may not fulfill all your needs but still contribute to a healthier balance.

7. Demonstrate Commitment: Show your dedication to your job by discussing strategies to maintain or even enhance your performance while achieving a better balance.

8. Follow Up: After your initial discussion, maintain open lines of communication. Let management know you appreciate any changes they make to accommodate your needs. 

Here are some common requests that employees may consider when communicating their needs:

1. Flexible Work Hours

2. Remote Work

3. Part-Time or Reduced Hours

4. Job Sharing

5.  Additional Leave

6. Reduced Travel

Achieving work-life balance is a crucial aspect of leading a fulfilling and productive life. Effective communication with management is the key to ensuring your needs are met while maintaining your professional commitments.

By following the strategies outlined in this article, you can initiate productive conversations with your employer and work together to create a healthier life that benefits both you and your organization.

Remember that a balanced life leads to increased well-being, improved productivity and long-term career satisfaction.

Teresa Rand — “The Boss Lady” — is the former president and CEO at the YMCA and the founder of Teresa Rand Consulting.