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National Work Life Week Five reasons to get the balance right

Balancing both your work and personal life is essential, especially in high-pressure and demanding roles.

In fact, a recent IoD survey revealed that poor work-life balance and/or working long hours was one of the top three challenges directors face in maintaining their health and wellbeing.

Director-level positions come with significant responsibilities, including managing teams, making critical decisions, and ensuring the overall success of the organisation. The demanding nature of such roles can lead to long hours, high-pressure situations, and an expectation of constant availability – all of which can contribute to stress and potential burnout if not managed properly.

The 7th-11th October marks National Work Life Week 2024, an annual campaign which aims to get employers and employees to talk about wellbeing and the importance of work-life balance, highlighting benefits such as:

  • Mental and physical health: Chronic stress from a demanding role can negatively impact both mental and physical health. This can manifest as anxiety, depression, insomnia, or even physical ailments like hypertension (source: Mind). Prioritising work-life balance helps maintain mental clarity and physical wellbeing.
  • Sustained productivity: While it might seem counterintuitive, working longer hours does not necessarily equate to higher productivity. Taking time to relax and recharge allows individuals to return to work with renewed focus and energy, which can enhance overall productivity and decision-making capabilities (source: business.com).
  • Creativity and innovation: A well-rested mind is more creative and open to new ideas. When constantly under stress, the brain focuses on survival, often at the expense of creative thinking. Taking time off to relax can stimulate creativity, which is essential for strategic thinking and innovation in a director-level role.
  • Leading by example: As a director, others look to you as a role model. Demonstrating a healthy work-life balance can inspire your team to follow suit, leading to a more positive and productive work environment.
  • Personal fulfilment: Success in a director-level role should not come at the expense of personal life. Time spent with family, pursuing hobbies, and engaging in leisure activities contributes to overall happiness and fulfilment, which is vital for long-term career satisfaction (source: Forbes).

Strategies for avoiding stress and burnout and improving work-life balance:

  • Set boundaries: Clearly define work hours and stick to them as much as possible. Avoid taking work home and resist the urge to check emails or take calls during personal time unless absolutely necessary.
  • Consider flexible working policies: Flexible and/or hybrid working was recently voted the top initiative implemented by organisations to promote the health and wellbeing of directors (source: IoD). This can help employees manage caring responsibilities and improve work-life balance (source: CIPD).
  • Delegate: As a director, it’s important to delegate tasks to your team. Trusting others to handle certain responsibilities not only lightens your load but also empowers your team members.
  • Prioritise self-care: Regular exercise, a healthy diet, sufficient sleep, and mindfulness practices like meditation can significantly reduce stress levels and improve resilience.
  • Take regular breaks: Micro-breaks during the day, as well as regular holidays or time off work, are essential. Even a short walk or a few minutes of deep breathing can help clear your mind and reduce stress.
  • Seek support: If stress becomes overwhelming, don’t hesitate to seek support, whether it’s through a mentor, a coach, or a mental health professional. Having someone to talk to can provide perspective and relief. You may wish to consider private health insurance which may provide access to services such as therapy, counselling, and medication.

By prioritising work-life balance and taking steps to manage stress, director-level professionals can maintain their health, productivity, and overall well-being, ensuring long-term success both personally and professionally.

PROFESSIONAL BENEFITS PROGRAMME

We want to help keep you feeling your best and your business thriving, which is why we work with health insurance broker, Insured Health, to make finding the right cover for you simpler.

As an IoD member, you benefit from 10% discount* on Bupa By You health insurance. Plus, you can benefit from an extra 10% discount** when adding family cover to your policy, and can also cover all your children for the price of one†.

 *Applies to eligible Institute of Directors members on quotes for new Bupa By You policies, and is not available in conjunction with any other offer (e.g. months free, guided care options). Discount will be reviewed on 22/10/2024 and any changes will apply to renewals and new quotes thereafter. Quotes are valid for 14 days. See full terms and conditions here.

**Families pay 10% less for a joint policy compared to the price of separate policies for each family member. Cover must include at least one adult and one or more children. Children do not have to live at the same address as the main member. This offer applies to the Bupa By You Comprehensive and Treatment and Care health insurance policies. This offer may change or be unavailable when you renew. See full terms and conditions here.

†Add more than one child under 20 years old to your policy and you’ll only pay for the eldest child, no matter how many more children you add. Children aged 20 or over cannot receive free cover or count as an ‘eldest child’ for this offer. Cover must include at least two children aged 19 or under. You’ll still receive our 10% family discount if you have free child cover. Children do not have to live at the same address as the main member. This offer may change or be unavailable when you renew. This offer applies to the Bupa By You Comprehensive and Treatment and Care health insurance policies. This offer may change or be unavailable when you renew. See full terms and conditions here.

Institute of Directors is an introducer to Insured Health Ltd. Insured Health Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales No: 9886202. Registered office: Saville House, 74-90 Savile Street, Sheffield, S4 7UD.

Bupa health insurance is provided by Bupa Insurance Limited. Registered in England and Wales with registration number 3956433. Bupa Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Arranged and administered by Bupa Insurance Services Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales with registration number 3829851. Registered office: 1 Angel Court, London, EC2R 7HJ.

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