Striking a work-life balance: the challenge of the modern manager
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1. Students in higher education – planning for a work-life balance starts today
What does finding a ‘balance’ mean?
Work-life balance means dividing your time and energy equitably between these two worlds. It means investing energy in your studies, whilst leaving time for leisure and a good social life. This balance is crucial for minimising stress, maintaining your mental and physical health, and nurturing fulfilling relationships.
Read article (in French): Balancing your studies and extra-curricular activities
How to determine the right balance for you
Start by defining the things that are important to you. Analyse your daily routine and identify the activities that provide pleasure and fulfilment. Try out different ways of organising your time to determine what works best for you.
Today’s obstacles in achieving the right work-life balance
The impact of remote learning and teleworking on personal and professional lives
Distance learning and new ways of working can sometimes blur the boundaries between your professional and personal lives. To maintain a healthy balance, set up a separate work space and fix regular working hours. Making sure you disconnect is just as important: deactivate notifications outside of working hours and prioritise activities that do not involve technology.
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2. Future managers – Promoting a healthy balance within your team
As future managers, you will be responsible for fostering and encouraging a work-life balance within your teams. This is an essential aspect not only for the wellbeing of your employees, but also for the overall performance of the company.
Why is this balance so crucial?
The mental and physical health of employees
A healthy work-life balance is good for both the mental and physical health of employees, leading to greater productivity and creativity. Studies show that when teams are given the opportunity of adapting their working hours, there is a significant increase in commitment and overall performance.
Encouraging healthy practices
As a manager, you can implement practices that encourage a healthy balance.
- Focus on results rather than the time spent in the office: concentrate on the impact and quality of the work rather than mere presence
- Ensure regular breaks: encourage your team to take breaks to recharge their batteries and maintain creativity
- Encourage team-building activities: organise activities or workshops to strengthen bonds outside the workplace
Many companies are introducing flexible working arrangements. For example, Microsoft Japan has introduced a 4-day week, which has increased productivity by 40%. Unilever is testing the ‘U-Work’ model, enabling employees to choose their work assignments and their own working hours.
Hybrid teleworking is becoming more widespread, with 36% of French companies having implemented it by 2023. Orange, for example, offers its employees the possibility of choosing their teleworking days. Other initiatives, such as ‘wellbeing days’ or time slots for personal development, all aim to foster a fulfilling working environment.
Managing pressure and delegating effectively
Managing the stress that comes with leadership responsibilities is crucial. Adopt stress management techniques and learn to delegate tasks so that you can focus on your strategic objectives. By recognising your team’s successes and turning errors into lessons learned, you will build trust and promote independence within your teams.
Leading by example
By personally adopting a healthy work-life balance, you will inspire your team to do the same. Leave the office at a reasonable hour and talk about your own personal activities as a way of communicating the importance of having a life outside of work. By doing so, you will contribute to creating a working environment where wellbeing and performance are complementary.
Read article (in French): What are the major challenges facing companies?
Striking a work-life balance is a major challenge for today’s young managers. At Excelia, we are committed to preparing our students to successfully negotiate these challenges, providing them with the right tools and best practices. However, this balance calls for a collective effort within companies themselves.
By embracing a culture of listening to and respecting each other’s needs, we can build working environments in which everyone thrives. Together, let’s rethink our approach to work and wellbeing to ensure a harmonious professional future for all.
