How to Improve Work-Life Balance as a Tech Professional

In our fast-paced and connected world, receiving notifications at your fingertips can prove to be not only helpful, but efficient in the workplace. Yet, it can also make it difficult to draw the line between what most employees would consider working and personal hours. Carving out personal time to enjoy your loved ones and favorite activities is vital to becoming more productive at work.

According to the Harvard Business Review, finding a good work life balance is “a cycle that we must engage in continuously as our circumstances and priorities evolve.” So, we've put together some must-know ways to help improve your work-life balance and avoid burnout.

Start With Small Breaks

Achieving a healthy work-life balance can seem overwhelming when you feel you're constantly drowning in projects and meeting deadlines at work. But, it's important to note, “The human body was not designed to stare at a bright screen for hours on end without any downtime," according to The Undercover Recruiter. Use your smart device to set reminders to take short breaks throughout your day and give yourself a much needed respite from long work hours.

The National Institute of Mental Health states, “...small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact.” Even just taking five minutes of personal time throughout the day can be vital to helping you recharge. So, use those moments to read a favorite blog, go for a walk, or even download a mindfulness app to help guide you through meditation. We are sure you'll end up being more productive because of it.

Enjoy Your Time Off

It is important to remember to actually schedule time off for yourself. According to Pew Research, nearly 50% of employees report taking less time off than they are offered. The paid time off that your employer provides is meant to be used. If weekends and work days blur together, your body and mind are never able to rest.

Your weekends and vacation time are yours to enjoy. When you're on vacation give yourself the chance to truly unplug. We live in a world that's always connected but allowing yourself time to recharge helps you avoid a potential burnout. Take that time to truly unwind. You'll come back to your job refreshed and energized to produce even better work.

Make Time for Yourself

Before you started your job, we're sure you had hobbies you enjoyed. Make sure to set time aside each week to focus on yourself by enjoying what you might have neglected with a busy work schedule. No matter the activity, do what you love!

It's also important to spend time with loved ones. “No one will support or love you more than your family and friends," according to Business News Daily. Although your job is incredibly important, your life shouldn't revolve around it. Life is about relationships; don't forget the amazing people in your corner.

If You Must Work During Personal Hours, Schedule It

For some jobs, it just may not be possible to completely unplug. So, if you must work during your personal hours, try scheduling a block of time to answer those emails. Some companies offer this as a benefit known as flexible work hours. Interestingly “Flex-hours were the most commonly selected out-of-the-box benefit (at 39%) in both technology and engineering fields, and across generational lines," according to a survey of decision makers in the technology and engineering fields conducted by Modis and General Assembly. Read more about what the survey data discovered here.

Scheduling that time gives you the chance to still enjoy events with the family but you won't have to worry about missing any deadlines. Before you know it, you'll be on your way to a better work-life balance.

Prioritize Your Health

No matter the job, nothing should matter more to you than your physical and mental health. Having a poor work life balance can be detrimental to your health. When you don't prioritize the care your mind and body need, you're leaving yourself at risk. So, make time for those doctor appointments you keep rescheduling and try implementing workout activities throughout the week. Trade the extra long hours at the office for some time spent focusing on your mental and physical health. By taking care of your health, you'll not only be able to reduce stress, but you'll also be more productive. Your body and job will thank you.

Make the Necessary Changes

Is your workplace or job too stressful? As you work on a positive work life integration, you may discover that the position you are currently in just isn’t conducive to your goals. If that’s the case, it might be time to start searching for employers who value you achieving work life balance that fits your needs. As Forbes points out in a recent article, “The pandemic gave a lot of workers time to think and reconsider what they wanted out of their work situations. This reflection led to what became known as the Great Resignation, where many people left their jobs for new opportunities.”

Many employers recognize the importance of flexible schedules or work hours. Employers who want to attract and retain highly qualified candidates know that these candidates also value their personal lives and quality time away from their job.

Key Takeaway

Although achieving a perfect work and life balance may not exist, taking steps towards bettering your current situation can prove to be beneficial. It may not always be easy to draw boundaries between your personal and professional hours, but this balance is vital for you, your relationships and your health. Plus, if you don't carve out time just for you to enjoy, you could be headed towards a potential burnout, which would only leave you feeling tired and resentful.

So, make time for yourself and we're sure you'll be able to enjoy balancing your work and personal life more easily. If you're looking for a new opportunity where your time will be valued and you’ll be encouraged to have a positive work-life balance, reach out to an Akkodis staffing expert here today.