The value of finishing work on time
By Tim Hoopmann
HAVE you recorded how many days you work late each week? Sometimes finishing work on time isn’t always possible. But if you’re working late on a regular basis it may be time to take a step back and re-evaluate.
The last 2 years has seen many people work remotely. This can make our work day start and finish times blurred. The detrimental effects of continually working long hours on both our physical and mental health can be considerable. We may experience increase in fatigue and stress. It may place a strain on our relationships both in and outside of work. If left unchecked, an unhealthy work-life balance can result in burn out.
Finishing work on time reminds us of the importance of looking after our mental health and wellness. Working within your core hours and taking regular breaks can actually help you be more productive. You’ll likely adopt better work practices including managing your time.
Here are some tips to help you manage your work-life balance:
Plan ahead – schedule meetings during core work hours and avoid taking work home. If you’re working from home, try to establish and stick to your normal working day so that it doesn’t interfere with your home life.
Take a break – taking time out to reset can help increase productivity and reduce work-related stress. If you don’t have time, then make time. Block out regular 10-or-20-minute breaks in your calendar to step away from work.
Set realistic deadlines – split up your tasks and set realistic and achievable goals for the day. Leave some buffer time for interruptions. This will avoid disappointment by having many tasks left incomplete at the end of the day.
Learn to say no – it’s OK to say no. Giving yourself the option to turn work down can help manage your workload. Being clear and upfront about your workload is better than taking on work that won’t be delivered on time.
Switch off – Take time away from your phone or computer. Turn off all work related notifications on your phone. When you’re not working, do things that energise you and bring you joy.
Be flexible – If you’re finding that you are continually working long hours, try chatting with your manager. Talk openly about the challenges you are facing. Work together on a plan that suits both parties.
