Many leaders, managers, businesses and companies profess they are supportive of work/life balance. This term is often publicised in job advertisements. But what does this actually mean?
The reality of work/life balance can present quite differently for many individuals. Personality, age, time of life, health (and the health of close family members), family commitments and resilience amongst other factors impact upon it.
Choosing the right job and negotiating appropriate work conditions plays a key role in getting the desired balance. Many employers are very willing to formulate an equitable arrangement for their employees, essential for long term job satisfaction. Very clear and open communication between both parties is required though.
Once comfortably employed, it pays to be introspective intermittently and assess your individual needs at that point in time. When the work/life scale is not effectively balanced, the small joys in life start to diminish or disappear from sight, simple tasks zap more energy and a fog of fatigue may cloud your head. Burn out can loom.
In the wake of these signals, it is time to communicate with leaders or managers. Identifying and acknowledging an imbalance is crucial and then acting to change the situation is the next critical step.
Back to the veterinary world, what might these changes look like?
· Taking a holiday
· Reducing overall working hours
· Changing the roster to allow for more effective breaks between shifts
· Modifying the workload during a shift. For vets, this might be increasing consultation length, reducing the number, or complexity of surgical procedures or allowing time for client phone calls and case work. For nurses, it might involve changing shift type. For example, more or less surgical, hospital or reception duties can create less burden.
· Reassessing on call after hours, work demands
· Ensuring vets/nurses leave work at the designated shift end
We all have a crucial role to play in this game of work/life balance.
Self-awareness, good communication and non-judgemental, pro-active leadership are essential.