Finding balance in the always on culture
photo credit: Valerie Nikitina
Here are some ways on how to find balance in the always on culture.
Individual strategies
Set strict boundaries: Define your work hours clearly and stick to them as much as possible. Communicate these boundaries to your colleagues and family. Turn off work notifications on your personal devices outside of work hours.
Time blocking: Schedule specific times for focused work, breaks, meals, exercise, and personal activities. Treat these appointments with yourself as seriously as you would a work meeting.
Digital detox: Designate periods, even short ones, where you completely disconnect from all digital devices. This could be during meals, an hour before bed, or a full day on the weekend.
Create tech-free zones: Make certain areas of your home, like the bedroom, completely free of work-related technology to promote relaxation and better sleep.
Prioritize sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Make your bedroom conducive to sleep and establish a relaxing bedtime routine.
Practice mindfulness and presence: Engage fully in the present moment during your non-work time. This helps you truly switch off and recharge.
Learn to say no: Don’t overcommit yourself to tasks or meetings that will encroach on your personal time. Politely decline when necessary.
Establish a switch off ritual: Create a routine at the end of your workday to signal to your brain that it’s time to transition to personal time.
Communicate your needs: Be open with your manager and team about your need for work-life balance and the boundaries you are setting.
Seek support: If you're struggling to find balance, talk to friends, family, or consider seeking professional guidance.
Organizational strategies (if you have influence within your workplace)
Promote a culture of balance: Encourage employees to take breaks, use their vacation time, and respect each other’s time off.
Lead by example: Managers should model healthy boundaries and work-life balance.
Establish clear communication norms: Define expectations for response times and preferred communication channels. Avoid sending non-urgent communications outside of work hours.
Focus on results, not just hours: Evaluate employees based on their output and the quality of their work, rather than the number of hours they spend working.
Encourage asynchronous work: Support work practices that don’t require everyone to be online simultaneously, especially for tasks that aren't time-sensitive.
Offer flexibility and autonomy: Empower employees to manage their schedules and work in ways that suit their needs, as long as the work gets done effectively.
Implement right to disconnect policies: Consider formal policies that protect employees from work-related contact during their off-hours.
Provide well-being resources: Offer programs and support for mental health, stress management, and work-life balance.
Finding balance in the always-on culture is a continuous effort. It requires setting intentions, establishing boundaries, and consistently reinforcing those boundaries. Remember that prioritizing your well-being is not selfish, it’s essential for long-term productivity, creativity, and overall fulfillment.
