Embracing “work-life” integration

 Many of us now have more options and flexibility than ever, but balance goes beyond how much time we are actually working. Is personal time really personal time if you’re still thinking about work? For me, I know that when it’s my personal time but work is on my mind the people around me notice that I’m physically there but not really with them. However, I’ve also read recent articles where people don’t want a definite line between both aspects of our lives and see work as an intrinsic part of our home life.

 From the programmes we run at Starfish Partners, one theme I’m very aware of is that many people find they are working incredibly hard to build a better life, but have no time or energy left to enjoy it. For years that was me too! However, despite now being a business owner and Executive Coach and no longer working traditional hours I still have those feelings of guilt that I should be doing more. How many of us wake up in the night and just can’t switch off, or spend their evenings or weekends “just checking” their e-mails or thinking about work?

What I have learned throughout my experience is that when I’m clear on my vision and my values, I focus on what really matters and make much better decisions. I plan rather than just react, and I’m focused on those core priorities that will make a difference. Funnily enough, I don’t have sleepless nights when I’m clear! However, I also know I have to keep working on it and remember that it’s a priority, it doesn’t take much to shift the scales the wrong way.

The article below talks about blending work and home life so that we can “integrate the personal and professional in a healthy way”. It also references a recent UK survey which highlighted that nearly two thirds of those who participated saw their work-life balance as more important than pay and benefits!

I fully support a flexible approach to working, and think it’s essential we each find our own way to find the balance that matters to us. For me that means finding time to switch off and enjoy life guilt free so that I feel in good shape and can be my best at work and at home.

 So, what does work-life integration mean for you?

 https://lnkd.in/eWiavdqq

(Article originally posted by Antony Allen on the Starfish Partners LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/starfish-partners-development/)