Q and A on a Healthy Work-Life Balance
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What is work-life balance?
Work-life balance means knowing the things that are important to you, including work, and adjusting your
schedule to allow time for them. It means making a list of priorities so you can focus on the top three
or four, knowing that you cannot do everything. Another key is to devote yourself to just one priority at
a time so that when you are at work, you focus on your job, and when you are with your family, you focus on
them.
How can you tell when you are working too much?
If you are a perfectionist, you have a greater chance of becoming a workaholic than others. Workaholics often
start many projects but have trouble completing them because of their need for perfection, or they may start
many projects and fail to follow up on details. Workaholics often are less effective than other workers
because they have trouble delegating, take on too many projects, are unorganized in their approach to work or
miss deadlines in their quest for perfection.
How do you begin to reduce stress and improve balance?
Begin by organizing so you can plan blocks of time devoted to yourself. You will need to step away from the
cell phone, Blackberry and computer, and then clear your desk to eliminate clutter. You will need to identify
the situations that are most likely to cause you stress and determine if it is beneficial stress that keeps
you on you toes or harmful stress that causes unease. Making lists and crossing off items as you accomplish
them is one way to give yourself a sense of accomplishment. At the same time you might want to consider an
exercise program, such as biking, walking, yoga, Pilates, spinning, boxing or weight training. Other therapies
such as massage, hypnosis and chiropractic can offer beneficial results as well. In addition, hobbies,
socializing with friends, a change of scenery and helping others also contribute to a sense of balance.
What can firms do to help lawyers balance work and personal life?
It is important for companies and organizations to acknowledge that employees have lives outside work. Treating
each employee as an individual, knowing his or her strengths and letting each employee know that he or she is
valued for themselves, not just for their work, are a good beginning. Know what your organization has in the way
of a Lawyer Assistance Program and let employees know it is OK to ask for help. It is also important for managers
to walk the talk, setting an example by their own action of the importance of work-life balance.
For more information, contact the New Jersey Lawyer Assistance
Program at 800.246.5527 (24 hours) or the
ABA Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs. |
