Post on 28-Mar-2015
Work, workload and life balance
Melanie Jones
Chair, AIM
Some questions for all of us
Do you live to work or work to live? How much money do you need to live? Is money or time more important? Do you feel guilty if you say no when asked to work an
extra session/night? Do you say yes to requests so others think well of
you? Do you think you work too much? Do you think about work at night / at weekends?
The balance of your life
Professional status and behaviours
Our work defines us as a person Society gives status to doctors Bound by a code of ethics UK long hours culture High achievers High level of altruistic behaviour Detriment of own health Sacrifice time with families
Pressures to increase workload
Cover for colleagues – sickness, leave Waiting list pressures “Don’t let patients down” Same person(s) always asked - resentment Don’t want to let department or family down –
internal conflict Remember your lead clinician under
pressure if list cancelled
Stress Performance Connection
Stress and Bullying
All Trusts have dignity at work policies May feel bullied if too much pressure
exerted to undertake extra work Develop strategy for additional work –
personal and departmental Career should not suffer if decline extra
work
Generic skills to improve balance
Time Management Stress Management Assertiveness Dealing with conflict Physical fitness / exercise Mentoring and Coaching Appraisee skills
Leave entitlement – use it!
Annual leave Study leave Professional leave Career break Sabbatical Parental Leave Carer’s leave Sick leave
Is your life balanced?
Take a holiday Eat breakfast Exercise Spend time with your
partner Meet friends in evening Eat less Drink more water Drink less alcohol
Reduce your work hours Retire Play sports Switch off the TV Switch off the computer Take up a new activity Say NO Indulge yourself for an
hour a week