I wrote a post earlier today entitled "Are you a segmenter or an integrator?", which linked an article with tips on how to get your work-life balance right, depending on your preferred working style.
I've since come across another article, written in today's Guardian, about how to achieve the perfect work-life fit. It seems to be my topic of the day (maybe I'm thinking too much about that glorious summer weather outside the office!).
Whether you're a 'segmenter' or an 'integrator', it's clear that many of us are moving towards a more flexible way of working, causing the boundaries between work and home to become more blurred. There is mounting evidence that left unchecked, this can cause our brains to become fatigued and limit our productivity. So getting the balance right is important not just for your own benefit, but also to enable you to do your best work for the organisation(s) you work for.
And if you're a manager, think about the messages you're sending your reports about work-life balance. If you're not prioritising your life outside work, then it'll be much more difficult for your team to do so. Remember that it's in everyone's best interests.
It is possible to come across as a hard-working employee without responding to emails out of hours or working over-time. “Understand the line between enjoying work and wanting to be a responsible employee on the one hand, and being taken advantage of on the other. Know your rights and be sure to switch off your phone at 6pm,”
Related Articles
Harriet Harman Report on sexual harassment: How should law firms respond?
Polarisation is intensifying in workplaces; what can we do?
Guest Q&A - Steven McCann on alcohol culture in professional services
Happy hour? A conversation about alcohol and work – culture, risk and belonging
From post-deal drinks to client events and team celebrations, alcohol is woven into workplace culture. Yet when something goes wrong, it’s rarely seen as ‘just a drink’.
With new duties on employers to prevent sexual harassment, and growing attention on workplace risk and inclusion, it’s time to take a more intentional look at how alcohol shapes workplace culture – and the risks it carries.
This short, focused webinar will explore:
• How alcohol contributes to conduct, harassment and reputational risk
• The assumptions we make about what’s normal, social or expected
• How alcohol intersects with inclusion, wellbeing and boundaries
• What to think about when conducting risk assessments and looking at policies
• Practical steps to build positive connection while protecting what matters
Speakers:
Helen Dallimore
Head of Training, Byrne Dean
An experienced facilitator, trainer and former employment lawyer, Helen works with organisations to strengthen leadership capability and embed respectful workplace behaviours. She brings particular expertise in creating inclusive cultures where people feel safe, respected and able to thrive.
Cicilia Wan
Principal Consultant, Byrne Dean
A former employment lawyer and experienced Headof Employee Relations in global financial services, Cicilia has seen first-hand how alcohol canaffect conduct at work. She brings deep expertise in leadership, culture and managing people risk.
Steven McCann
Founder and Director, MCG Consulting
A leading voice in workplace addiction and recovery inclusion, Steven advises organisations on addiction awareness, recovery-informed culture and social mobility. He has spoken at the Bank of England and works regularly with law societies, the Legal Services Board and institutions across law, finance and corporate sectors.
Diginomica: How to deal with loneliness in the workplace
Amanda Okill shares how leaders can act holistically on their responsibility.
Diginomica: Why the workplace loneliness epidemic is a growing business risk
Amanda Okill features as workplaces loneliness doubles in the last year.
