The phrase work-life balance gets used so often that it can start to feel more like a slogan than something achievable. But balance is not about creating a perfect 50/50 split every day. It is about developing sustainable habits that allow you to meet the requirements of your role while still making space for life outside of work.
Work-life balance is important across all roles, although the practices that support it may look different depending on the position, work location, schedule and operational responsibilities.
Here are a few strategies worth trying, whether you are feeling particularly busy right now or simply want to build habits that support a more sustainable routine.
PROTECT YOUR START AND END OF DAY
The edges of the workday are often where boundaries begin to blur. Checking emails before the day has started or continuing to work on “just one more email” late in the evening.
Within your established work schedule, develop a consistent routine around the beginning and end of your workday. Be intentional about work communications outside your scheduled hours and follow the expectations outlined in Duka’s Right to Disconnect Policy, in accordance with any specific after-hours responsibilities or escalation requirements that apply to your role.
USE YOUR CALENDAR
Use your calendar or other planning tools, where appropriate to your role, to organize focused work around applicable meal periods and other scheduled or approved breaks. A calendar that only contains meetings can quickly become a calendar filled with meetings.
Setting aside appropriate time to focus, organize priorities and recharge can help make the workday more manageable and productive.
MAKE USE OF YOUR BREAKS AND TIME AWAY FROM WORK
Regular breaks and time away from work can help support focus, energy and overall well-being.
Make use of the breaks available to you in accordance with your schedule and applicable policies. If you have vacation time available, plan requests in accordance with Duka’s vacation policy, approval process and operational requirements.
BALANCE LOOKS DIFFERENT FOR EVERYONE
Personal responsibilities, family commitments, education, interests and simply having time to recharge can all influence what balance looks like from one person to another.
There is no one-size-fits-all formula. The goal is to identify sustainable habits that work for you while continuing to meet the responsibilities and requirements of your role.
TALK TO YOUR SUPERVISOR
Workloads and priorities can shift over time. If you are having difficulty managing competing priorities or deadlines, raise the issue early.
Your supervisor can help clarify priorities and sequencing, discuss competing demands and determine appropriate next steps. Regular communication about workload, priorities and expectations can help identify pressure points early and keep everyone aligned.
BALANCE CAN VARY OVER TIME
Balance is not something that needs to be judged by a single day.
Some days and periods will naturally be busier than others, depending on deadlines, operational requirements and business needs. A particularly demanding day does not necessarily reflect your overall work routine. At the same time, employees should continue to follow their established schedules and applicable policies regarding working hours, breaks and overtime.
If competing demands or unusually busy periods become ongoing, speak with your supervisor so priorities and expectations can be reviewed.
CLOSE OUT YOUR DAY
Toward the end of your workday, take a few minutes to note what was completed, what remains outstanding and what should be prioritized next.
A short end-of-day overview can help create a clear stopping point, make it easier to mentally transition out of the workday and allow you to return with a clearer picture of what needs attention next.
WORK-LIFE BALANCE AT DUKA
Work-life balance is not solely about individual habits. Managers and the organization also play an important role by communicating expectations and priorities clearly, administering workplace practices consistently and supporting employees in accordance with applicable policies, while continuing to meet operational and client requirements.
Duka values employee feedback and considers it, where appropriate, when reviewing workplace practices and policies. If you are experiencing ongoing challenges with workload, priorities or your work routine, we encourage you to speak with your supervisor or Human Resources so that the circumstances can be considered in the context of your role, operational requirements and applicable policies.