Why work-life balance is important, and how to achieve it

Being ambitious and successful is one thing, but it can’t happen without having one extra factor in your life. Experts explain why.

A better work-life balance does not need to cost workers their career ambitions.

It is possible to have both, but “mixed messaging’’ has left many Australians believing one needs to be sacrificed for the other, People2people Recruitment NSW managing director Catherine Kennedy says.

“Having a work-life balance doesn’t mean you can’t have a successful, thriving career and be ambitious,’’ she says.

“Organisations, broadly, are not championing the martyr anymore. It’s much more about being productive and effective now – it’s not just presenteeism.’’

Prioritising work-life balance

Exclusive people2people research shows younger generations are prioritising work-life balance more than ever, with 42 per cent of professionals under the age of 40 putting it above meeting, or exceeding, the expectations of their boss.

In comparison, more than half of workers aged 40-plus are still committed to the mantra of “going above and beyond’’, with less than a third making work-life balance their top priority.

“Amongst the younger generations, there’s a pushing back against the hustle culture and that ‘I’ve always got to be on the go’ attitude,’’ Kennedy says.

“They’re taking better care of themselves – and demanding more of their employers (in the wellbeing space) too.’’

Career coach Stacey Beck.

The best of both worlds

Career coach Stacey Back says the key to combining a healthy work-life balance with a successful career is to be clear on your priorities, set boundaries to protect them – and then flex when needed.

“There will always be moments where you have a deadline or something that’s urgent,’’ Back says.

“So have a boundary but be flexible with it.

“Say, ‘I’m going to make that commitment that I switch off my laptop at six (each night) and be with my family, however I know there’s going to be moments once a month, or once every few weeks, or whatever, when I may need to do some overtime’.’’

Back says accepting there is no such thing as a “perfect’’ work-life balance can ease the pressure of trying to attain it.

“There’s always going to be an imperfect equilibrium … where your ideal work-life balance may not be possible 100 per cent of the time but maybe (it’s achievable) 70 or 80 per cent of the time,’’ she says.

Commit to career goals

Eliminating work activities that do not add value to the company or contribute to a worker’s individual career goals can positively influence work-life balance, Back says.

She says setting regular time aside to work towards achieving career ambitions is also important.

“When you have a lot of demands in your daily job and you want to be present for your family or have a life outside of work, it’s really easy to get caught up in the daily busyness and neglect working on your long-term goals,’’ she says.

“So rather than being a big, tangible goal, break that goal down into small tasks or micro steps you can work on daily, or even monthly – just make sure it’s regular and consistent.’’

Jacob Solly is a big fan of incidental exercise to help him maintain a healthy work-life balance and often runs to work or has walking meetings.

Healthy habits a key for Jacob

Work-life balance has always been important to Jacob Solly but that hasn’t stopped the 33-year-old from climbing the career ladder to become a chief financial officer.

Solly, who is both the CFO and company secretary at insurance broker Bellrock Broking, readily admits to being ambitious but says wellbeing is a priority, too.

“For me, it’s about defining what my non-negotiables are,’’ he says.

“I want to be really energised and be performing at work but I know I can’t work (at the optimum level) if I’m not healthy.

“I put a lot of value on incidental exercise and getting that wherever I can – I will often try to find a way to ride my bike into work, or jog in.’’

Solly’s focus on exercise means walking meetings are often held with work colleagues and he regularly meets with mates for an after-work run.

Healthy eating, getting enough sleep and practising mindfulness are other habits that ensure he performs at his best and reduces the risk of burnout.

“Getting that work-life balance right is critical,’’ he says.

“Yes, my days can look longer than the typical 9-5 but during those days I might go for a jog or a walk with a colleague (while discussing work matters), rather than sitting at the computer.

“It’s about becoming smarter about using my time and being creative in how I can achieve those non-negotiables during my day.’’

Originally published as Why work-life balance is important, and how to achieve it