How Entrepreneurs can Create a Healthier Work-Life Balance

As businesses grow, entrepreneurs need dedicated employees. However, it is important to promote a balance between work and life, in order to have a more productive staff. In addition, turnover is typically lower when companies emphasize this balance, especially when done through supportive and strong leadership.

A leadership style that places focus on employees and their individual needs can help build a team of employees that are more efficient, happier, and motivated when they have more flexible schedules. Leaders typically have the power to let workers share jobs or shift schedules. One effective way to do so is not only giving employees deadlines, but also allowing them to manage their schedules in order to meet goals. When given alternatives, employees may become more focused on managing their productivity more efficiently.

In addition, employees may feel happier and more balanced when they can vary their jobs throughout each day. Leaders can empower workers by breaking up their day, and suggesting employees do the same. If a leader leaves early on occasion, employees should have the same freedom. This autonomy allows them to attend family events or other necessary responsibilities, once their work is completed. This helps employees to break up their workdays and balance their job's demands, while feeling at peace with the work they have completed. 

Is Work-Life Balance Really Possible in Today's World?

New technologies keep entrepreneurs and employees continually connected to news, partners, vendors, and other important resources. In addition, fewer people are doing the work of many, the velocity of change is nearly faster than many are prepared for, and there is a continuous need to stay alert, as competitors pop up in unexpected places.

Rather than working to "survive," entrepreneurs must adjust to an entirely new way of thinking. These emerging factors require business professionals to evolve in their self-management, organizational cultural development, and corporate structure.

Forget "Work-Life Balance"

With continual connectivity, the boundaries between professional and personal lives are skewed. When people burn out, they can become unhappy and lose motivation. Rather than balancing work and life, start searching for ways to become more energized and creative, not just for work, but also for life as a whole. Living a passionate life will inherently affect motivations and goals at work. Plus, it can help to rejuvenate the mind in nearly every other aspect.

Balance From the Inside, Out

Many people falsely believe that if they had a less demanding job, life would seem easier. Stress is more dependent on how a person manages it, than what is causing the stress, itself. Professionals should step back and evaluate how they approach stress, and how their mindsets are impacting their perception. It is beneficial to evolve in ways that increase prioritization skills, and to truly focus on what is most important.

Focus on Passion

Rather than working harder, professionals should work more passionately. Finding a type of work that does not siphon energy is imperative; especially to avoid burn out, decreased motivation, and even resentment. Managers and entrepreneurs should work with employees to help them find their passion, which, in turn, will help them be more directed and efficient.

Get More Downtime

When professionals incorporate relaxation or recreation into their schedules, they have time to become more creative. Company culture should put priority on fun, and allow for breaks and pauses to help rejuvenate and empower the staff.

Accept that Balance is a Process

Unnecessary stress can come from looking at "work-life balance" as an end goal. Rather, consider it a path. Find a set of tools, resources, and tactics that help to manage balance. Use them as they are needed, and understand that each day brings unique challenges. Most likely, there is not a day where work and life are forever balanced. Every day needs individual attention. Balance is not a destination; it is a part of daily routine.