As a manager, it’s important that you figure out an effective way to keep yourself from diving too far into either end of that equation. Too much work leads to burnout. Too much life leads to stalled career progress and a lack of fulfillment.
Workaholism simply isn’t sustainable, not if we want to keep ourselves mentally, physically, and emotionally healthy — and if we don’t keep ourselves healthy, then sooner or later, that burnout will grow strong enough to keep us from working at all, or at least working efficiently.
It can also result in actual physical illness, which at some point will interfere with your earning potential and career advancement. Multiple studies, in fact, have shown a correlation between overwork and debilitating cardiovascular disease (heart attack, stroke, etc.).
Moreover, regular downtime is essential for your workplace productivity. Yet too many American workers don’t take advantage of the avenues for periodic disengagement to achieve work-life balance. One study showed Americans had an average of 9 unused vacation days in 2012.
Employee happiness and retention are directly tied to work-life balance. In 2015, one study found that over a third of all employees were considering or actively looking for a new position, and the Center for American Progress tells us that food services and hospitality are among the industries with the highest percentage of turnover.
So how can you protect your work-life balance while maintaining a healthy approach to both? Let’s look at specific strategies you can use to stay at the top of your game, both personally and professionally.