Having a healthy work-life balance means having a healthy equilibrium between your work and your personal life. It’s common practice to try to create a workplace where workers may thrive and develop into more idealized versions of themselves, characterized by increased productivity, greater thoughtfulness, and reduced stress.
However, many Singaporeans still struggle to find that coveted “work-life balance.” Employees in Singapore are taught that the country’s people are its only resource, and that enterprises should make the most of these “resources” or risk losing their competitive edge.
Maybe that’s why people here put in some of the longest hours in the business. A recent survey found that Singapore is the fourth most overworked city in the world behind Dubai, Hong Kong, and Kuala Lumpur.
However, there is still hope, as it is only the mid-year, and by setting these six resolutions, you may be one step closer to achieving the work-life balance you so desperately desire.
1. Make a comprehensive strategy for how you will achieve your ideal work-life balance
It’s tempting to make resolutions that are too general when there are so many things going on in your life. General statements like “Spend more quality time with my family” or “Exercise more this year” are unlikely to help you reach your goal.
The inputs on your list need more consideration and preparation. If you want to spend more time with your loved ones, perhaps a vacation together is in order. When planning a family vacation, it’s best to get everyone’s input early on regarding where to go, when to go, and what to do once you get there.
If you’re taking a family vacation that includes older kids or your parents, you may make everyone feel more involved by giving them specific tasks to complete.
2. Talk to your family and friends
Occasionally, the pace of life can feel too rapid. You’ll need to explain your situation to your loved ones so they can accept your activities and even join you in them.
This can make them more forgiving when you have to cancel plans or seek help during times when you know you’ll be particularly swamped. You should also be willing to help out when your partner or other loved ones are in need. In the end, it will help you communicate better with those closest to you and strengthen the relationships that bind you together.
3. Empower your coworkers
You shouldn’t try to take on too much. Doing so is a surefire path to an increasingly hectic and stressful way of life.
You should involve your coworkers, bosses, and subordinates in holiday preparations and time commitment announcements just as you would your family.
You’re reducing your colleagues’ ability to aid you by not talking to them. You can learn a lot about how to improve your work performance by talking to your supervisor.
Similarly, you shouldn’t micromanage your employees and should instead give them the autonomy to solve problems and bring their ideas to you. This will relieve some of your responsibilities, free you to concentrate on what really matters, and, best of all, help your subordinates improve their abilities.
5. Take a stand and saying “no”
loved one or a coworker, or to disappoint a boss or coworker.
While it may seem like a good idea at the time, bottling up your feelings of being overwhelmed by the demands and chores at hand might have a negative impact on your long-term satisfaction.
This is how many workers develop feelings of resentment toward their employers or allow interpersonal discontent to grow. In essence, saying “Yes” will cause additional problems in the future.
Fifth, besides work, interests, passions, friends, community, and oneself all have a role in achieving work-life balance.
Having a good work-life balance involves more than just dividing our time fairly between our jobs and our families. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance includes considering all of your values.
The daily burden of shame we carry—guilt that comes from working long hours and neglecting our families—makes it easy to forget this. It’s ironic that while we’re around our loved ones, we experience the most pangs of guilt for not getting our work done.
Achieving work-life balance, and the satisfaction and joy that come with it, requires carving out time for personal pursuits.
6. Achieving a healthy work-life balance is a journey
At the end of the day, you must realize that you can’t have it all. There will be times of particularly intense work when you feel like you can’t possibly get anything else done. Don’t let this throw you off; there will be plenty of time to readjust your priorities the next week or when things calm down.
The process of developing meaningful, two-way discussions with loved ones, friends, and coworkers is an integral part of finding work-life harmony.
You’ll grow as people when you indulge your individual passions and pursue the activities that bring you the most joy and fulfillment.