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Work life balance in Australia
Do you feel the increasing pressure on workforces?
You could well be finding that maintaining work-life balance in Australia is becoming more of an issue. The percentage of people who work long hours has been growing for many years in New South Wales, Queensland and every other state.
Work life balance may be a deceptive term, since, in my opinion, the ultimate balance is where there is no conflict, no compromise, but fulfilment in all areas of life simultaneously. This lets you be more productive, happier overall and maintain better relationships.
Company programs
Employers have found that workers who have an improved worklife balance are also more committed, effective and productive in the workplace. The recruitment and retention of valuable staff is also improved.
Many companies are now offering programs that are intended to enhance work life balance and therefore staff morale and effectiveness. For example child care, gym facilities or membership, flexible working hours and sporting and social opportunities.
Subtle pressures at work
However you may have felt the subtle pressure at the office to arrive early and leave late, even if no real extra work is being done. And the ever present mobile phone and email can extend the working day to all hours, if you let it.
All too often the reward for a job well done is more responsibility and pressure, without the recovery time that is so essential for work life balance.
It's up to you
Ultimately you must decide and know what your values are and let that knowledge guide you in your choices in life, both at work and outside. You may decide to "downshift", or that it's time for a "seachange".
A Life Coach can help you to become clear about your values and to apply those values to you work life balance. Many people have found that this help can resolve conflicts between personal and professional lives that have been holding them back for years.
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