1. WORK-LIFE BALANCE
By: Ekorinyang Richard; MSc HSM
03/12/13

2. Outline
 Definition
 Simple principles
 Consequences of poor work-life balance
 Work-life programs in the U.S & EU
 Tips to reclaim control
 A part for the health manager
 Conclusion
 References
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3. Work-life balance
• Does not mean an equal balance. Trying to schedule an
equal number of hours for each of your various work and
personal activities is usually unrewarding and unrealistic.
• Will vary over time, often on a daily basis. The right
balance for you today will probably be different for you
tomorrow. The right balance for you when you are single
will be different when you marry.
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4. Work-life balance
 There is no perfect, one-size fits all, balance you should
be striving for. The best work-life balance is different for
each of us because we all have different priorities and
different lives.
 An effective work-life balance definition has two key
everyday concepts that are relevant to each of us. They
are daily Achievement and Enjoyment
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5. Work-life balance
• Achievement and Enjoyment answer the big question
"Why?" Why do you want a better income…a new
house…to do a good job today…to come to work at all?
• In this case, enjoyment does not just mean happiness. It
means Pride, Satisfaction, Happiness, Celebration, Love,
A Sense of Well Being …all the Joys of Living.
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6. Work-life balance
 Achievement and Enjoyment are the front and back of
the coin of value in life. You can't have one without the
other.
 Trying to live a one sided life is why so many "Successful"
people are not happy, or not nearly as happy as they
should be.
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7. Work-life balance
 Is Meaningful daily Achievement and Enjoyment in each of
the four life quadrants: Work, Family, Friends and Self.
 When was the last time you Achieved AND Enjoyed
something at work, with your family your friends or just
for yourself?
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8. Simple principles
 At work you can create your own best Work-Life
Balance by making sure you not only Achieve, but also
reflect the joy of the job, and the joy of life, every day.
 If nobody pats you on the back, pat yourself on the back.
And help others to do the same.
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9. Simple principles (cont)
 When you are a person that not only gets things done,
but also enjoys the doing, it attracts people to you.
 They want you on their team and they want to be on
your team.
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10. Consequences of poor work-life
balance
• When your work life and personal life are out of order,
your stress levels are likely to shoot up.
• Fatigue – Ability to work productively and think clearly
may suffer & may lead to dangerous or costly mistakes.
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11. Consequences of poor work-life
balance (cont)
 Lost time with friends and loved ones. If you're
working too much, you may miss important family events
or milestones. It's also difficult to nurture friendships if
you're always working.
 Increased expectations. If you regularly work extra
hours, you may be given more responsibility. This may
lead to only more concerns and challenges.
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12. Work-life programs in the U.S & EU
Program U.S EU
Work hours workers limited from working more Maximum hours by EU is 48
than 40 hours a week hours per week
Paternity U.S is 12 weeks but 19% of EU directive has it that
Leave companies go beyond this paternity leave is 2 weeks’ paid
leave.
Childcare In-house child care facilities, after Childcare subsidies available
school programs, subsidized child throughout the EU, but the
care, and referral services cost remains a controversial. In
the UK, parents pay higher
childcare costs.
Vacation Most companies give vacation days employees receive 4 weeks
but vary in policies mandatory vacation.
Telecommut Currently 30 percent of U.S. firms Throughout Europe more than
ing allow some form of telecommuting 50% work from home.
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13. Tips to reclaim control (cont)
• Track your time. Track everything you do for one
week, including work-related and personal activities.
Decide what's necessary and what satisfies you the most.
• Take advantage of your options. Ask your employer
about flex hours, telecommuting or other scheduling
flexibility. The more control you have over your hours,
the less stressed you're likely to be.
• Learn to say no. Whether it's a co-worker asking you
to spearhead an extra project, remember that it's OK to
respectfully say no.
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14. Tips to reclaim control (cont)
• Leave work at work. Make a conscious decision to
separate work time from personal time. When you're
with your family, for instance, turn off your cell phone
and put away your laptop computer.
• Manage your time. Put family events on a weekly
family calendar and keep a daily to-do list. Do what needs
to be done and let the rest go.
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15. Tips to reclaim control (cont)
 Have your support system. At work, join forces with
co-workers who can cover for you and vice versa e.g.
when family conflicts arise.
 Nurture yourself. Eat healthy foods, exercises and get
enough sleep. Set aside time each day for an activity that
you enjoy, such as watching football or reading.
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16. A part for the health manager
 “Encourage the people to have a life in order to get most
out of them”
 Encourage the employees to express their dissatisfaction
and learn how to handle them by using a special
committee.
 Ensure that employees follow shifts/ duty roster.
 Plan and budget for recreation activities
 Have family get together, day out or retreats
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17. Lack of Delegation
Administrator going to
bank Administrator on her desk
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18. Stressful Moments
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19. A time for Massage & Exercise
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20. Recreation Area
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22. Conclusion
 Remember, striking a healthy work-life balance isn't a
one-shot deal. Creating work-life balance is a continuous
process as your family, interests and work life change.
Periodically examine your priorities — and make
changes, if necessary — to make sure you're keeping on
track.
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23. References
 Joshi et al (2002).Work-Life Balance: A Case of Social
Responsibility or Competitive Advantage? Available at:
http://www.worklifebalance.com/assets/pdfs/casestudy.pdf
 Bird (2006).Work-life balance doing it right and avoiding
the pitfalls. Available at:
http://www.worklifebalance.com/assets/pdfs/article3.pdf
 European Convention for the Protection of Human
Rights and Fundamental Freedoms; Updated 12 March,
2007. Available at:
http://www.eurofound.europa.eu/areas/industrialrelations/dicti
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