Work-life balance (WLB) is all about managing the work and life expectations without significant conflict.

If you are not addressing WLB, the negative implications can be seen in your work quality, physical/mental health, and in relationships.

As disability service professionals, we not only need to address our own WLB, but we may need to work with our students on WLB issues.

The Story of Deanna’s Work-life Balance and Imbalance

Work–life balance is a concept including proper prioritizing between "work" (career and ambition) and "lifestyle" (health, pleasure, leisure, family and spiritual development/meditation). 1

A comfortable state of equilibrium achieved between an employee's primary priorities of their employment position and their private lifestyle. Most psychologists would agree that the demands of an employee's career should not overwhelm the individual's ability to enjoy a satisfying personal life outside of the business environment. 2

Techco asked 12 entrepreneurs and other professionals define the elusive “work-life balance.”3

Key Terms: Feeling in control Disconnecting Not feeling rushed “Attempt” is the keyword Being able to live in the present Money and time Being a whole person Happiness

Does work-life balance mean you are either balanced or your are not?

Why do you believe you need to have WLB?

Who is telling you that you need WLB or that you currently don’t have it?

What is your definition of WLB?

In other words, what does WLB look like?

WLB not initiated because of concerns about the individual or even as the result of gender equality 1 2

WLB was addressed because of the needs of the larger workforce 1 2

Both men and women can struggle

with WLB

Employee satisfaction Organizational commitment Increased productivity Increased performanceDecreased turnover Improved family functioningWell-being of employees

Employee dissatisfactionDecreased productivityDecreased performance Increased turnoverDomestic violenceParenting problemsPhysical health concernsMental health concerns

This is not a scientific test. Information provided is not a substitute for professional advice. If you feel that you may need advice, please consult a qualified health care professional.

Answer the questions as agree or disagree – you can keep your answers to yourself

I feel like I have little or no control over my work

life

I regularly enjoy hobbies or interest outside of work

I often feel guilty because I can’t make time for everything I want to do

I frequently feel anxious or upset because of what is happening at work

I usually have enough time to spend with my loved ones

When I’m at home, I feel relaxed and comfortable

I have time to do something just for me every week

On most days, I feel overwhelmed and over-committed

I rarely lose my temper at work

I never use all my allotted vacation days

I often feel exhausted – even early in the week

Usually I work through my lunch break

I rarely miss out on important family events because of work

I frequently think about work when I’m not working

My family is frequently upset with me about how much time I spend working

You may be out of balance – you need to make significant changes to find your equilibrium. But you can take control!

You may be keeping things under control – but only barely. Now is the time to take action before you’re knocked off balance.

You may be on the right track! You’ve been able to achieve work/life balance – now, make sure you protect it.

To find out the meaning of your score, visit the quiz on-line at http://www.cmha.ca/mental_health/work-life-balance-quiz/

Do you think your students can sense your degree of satisfaction with your job?4

Do you think your students will make a commitment to their WLB if you are modeling imbalance?

Do you think students will perform to their capacity if they are imbalanced?

If you have a significant imbalance and it leads sickness or leaving your job – what happens during the transition to your students?

Source: Talent Design Potential (Find them on LinkedIn)

Never got so busy making a Living that your forget to make a Life

Balance is not better time management, but better boundary management. Balance means making choices and enjoying those choices

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Work%E2%80%93life_balance

2. http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/work-life-balance.html#ixzz3aaGhgaus

3. http://tech.co/work-life-balance-definition-2014-04

4. Dev, S. (2014). Employee satisfaction correlated with client satisfaction in banks. ZENITH International Journal of Business Economics & Management Research 4(11) , 44-60.

5. Pictures of juggling balls : WorkLifeBalance.com, Inc.

6. Quiz: http://www.cmha.ca/mental_health/work-life-balance-quiz/

7. Wattis, L., & James, L. (2013). Exploring order and disorder: Women’s experiences balancing work and care. European Journal of Women's Studies, 1350506813484241.

8. Wu, L., Rusyidi, B., Claiborne, N., & McCarthy, M. L. (2013). Relationships between work–life balance and job-related factors among child welfare workers. Children and Youth Services Review, 35(9), 1447-1454.