Practical Guidance for Managers to Help Examine and Understand Their Team’s Individual Needs for Work-Life Balance  

Work-life balance. Who’s good at it? Does anyone really have it down perfectly? The point is that it’s called work-life balance for a reason: it’s a delicate balance, and it’s not as simple as one size fits all.  Each individual needs to determine what suits them best.

This is especially crucial to understand in the workplace, where so many different personalities are involved, and if you are a manager, it’s doubly important to examine the issue as regards to your team. I’ve worked with women who prefer to have their phones glued to them (even on vacation), and others who need their 4 p.m. yoga class every day in order to be sane. It all comes down to what works on an individual level — then clearly communicating with one another, accepting what works, and supporting your people through it.

To that end, there are small, practical things a manager can do to strengthen the message to a team that their work-life balance should be respected. This respectful attitude usually reaps rewards in the end, since a reasonable, empathetic approach by management often results in higher morale and productivity from employees. In short, finding that balance, both in your own routine and in the context of the larger team, recharges everyone’s batteries, provides a much needed breather, and typically results in better ideas, solutions and mindsets.

Bring More Balance to the Workplace

So, how to get started? First, if you are a manager, specifically look at your team. Make time to celebrate the little things, the big things, and everything in between. Employees need to come together not just around work, but to enjoy life events and big wins. Thus, birthdays, promotions, and the completion of major projects all deserve a celebratory moment despite crazy schedules. Take a moment to enjoy each other.

Why is this so important? It not only raises spirits, it can also make a lasting impression. A few years ago, I worked for a leader who had the birthdays of his entire team  (250+ employees) noted on his calendar. He took just a minute on their special day to either call them, stop them in the hallway, or at the very least, email them to say “Happy Birthday,” thank them for their contributions, and encourage them to take extra time that day to celebrate. His behavior showed his staff that he valued them and encouraged them to find a bit of balance.

Another idea: during the year, make it a priority to have lunch or dinner with your work team, peers, friends and advocates. Even if you talk shop the entire time, the event brings new thinking and perspective you wouldn’t have otherwise gained. That time is also inherently building stronger relationships with your colleagues, allowing you to get to know the team better, and understand what balance means to them.

Determine What Works For You

Understand that everyone is different, and therefore every person’s level of balance will look different. Therefore, spend a little time to consider what kind of work-balance works best for you as an individual, with your own particular life situation.

For instance, as a mother of two, it works for me to have more balance during the summer and less balance during the other seasons. For me, summer is when my family prioritizes our time together. The kids are out of school, so we cram in as much vacation as possible. Others may prefer a more even approach year-round, but this is what works for my family.  I schedule my time out of the office, do what I have to do to keep the wheels on the bus at work, and both my family and my team know my schedule, and each adjusts accordingly.

Finding and keeping that work life balance also depends on internal factors, like changing habits over the course of time to keep you healthy, energized and focused. Making small changes like eating more healthily can give you more stamina and a better self-image. Even choosing to forgo working through lunch in order to step away and eat away from the desk makes all the difference some days. It’s in those moments that you may find the clarity and motivation to finish up the day strong. And the truth is that we need to take care of ourselves in those micro-moments (that eventually accumulate in a therapeutic way) so that we can be our best at home and at work.

Accept What Makes Sense for Others

Given that, as noted above, everyone is different and that each person has their own idea of balance, communication is essential. You need to understand what is important to them and they understand your willingness to work together on their balance – within reason of course!  Remember, just because they do not chose the same path as you might doesn’t mean it’s wrong. Teams need to be supportive of whatever that balance looks like for their individual people. An employee who has to step out for a yoga break may then come roaring back to her tasks with a great mood and focus. It’s all according to individual temperament.

So take the time to examine this issue in your office, see what’s working, and what steps could be implemented to improve on the issue.  It’s something every single worker deals with, so it’s time well (and wisely) spent on your part!