6 Reasons Why Managers Need Work-Life Balance

Work-life balance is a huge buzzword on social media and in HR circles, but it usually focuses on employees and how managers can support them.

But what about the managers themselves? Surely, they need work-life balance too?

Unfortunately, due to the busyness and added pressures of managing performance, targets, and deadlines; work-life balance can easily go out the window.

Not to mention the constant pressures of pleasing each employee and caring for their work-life balance, there often is no one there to encourage the manager to consider their own work-life balance.

Many managers are just starting to recognise how their employees need work-life balance, let alone how much they need it themselves. Some standard responses for many managers and business owners when the topic of work-life balance or downtime comes up are:

• "It doesn't feel like work."

• "I don't need the same rest as employees."

• "I have a big vision for how I want this team to grow so I have to put in extra work."

• "Everything will fall apart if I relax."

Some of these reasons may seem positive, but often they cover up potential stress underneath (especially the third point).

Unlike many assumptions, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to work-life balance. It's up to the individual to figure out what schedule works for them, and it won't always be the same every week. Yes, some weeks require more work, but having the self-awareness to know when those long hours are necessary or just crossing boundaries is going to prove to be helpful.

But why do managers even need work-life balance? Once you understand the benefits of finding a balance that works for you with regular downtime, you'll be less inclined to hold it off.

Recharging Leads to Better Performance

You may have heard this before but not truly recognised how vital it is. Taking the time to recharge is the top thing you can do to maintain high performance.

Yes, there are planning strategies and endless ways of boosting productivity but when you're constantly on the go, no matter how many things you try, your productivity will eventually take a hit. Mental clarity starts to wane, your critical thinking skills suffer and all of a sudden you're more frustrated and sharp with those around you.

You might feel like you're always busy and it would be unwise to stop, but without downtime, your effectiveness diminishes. Put simply, you could've booked that annual leave or finished at a normal time and not let your work suffer but actually improve.

Think about it: when you’re well-rested and have taken time for yourself, you come back with fresh ideas and renewed energy. You’re better equipped to handle the daily challenges that come with managing a team.

It's often the mindset that you shouldn't be taking any time off or prioritising their mental health or personal lives... unless you've earned it. But taking breaks isn't just a luxury; it’s a necessity for sustaining long-term productivity and performance.

You Will Lead by Example

You can’t tell your employees to have a healthy work-life balance if you don’t practice it yourself.

Your employees will look to you, whether you like it or not, on how to behave in the workplace. So if they see you burning the candle at both ends, they might feel pressured to do the same, thinking that’s what’s expected. But when employees see you prioritising your well-being, they’ll feel more comfortable doing the same.

By demonstrating a healthy work-life balance, you’re not just taking care of yourself - you’re setting a standard for your team. This can lead to a more balanced and productive workplace and respect for you as a manager.

Preventing Burnout

Burnout is real, and it’s not just something that happens to standard employees.

Managers are just as susceptible, if not more so, given their additional responsibilities and the pressure to perform. Without proper work-life balance, you risk burning out, which can have serious implications for both your health and your career.

Burnout does the complete opposite effect of what you're trying to achieve. If you don't slow down, burnout will give you no choice.

Of course, stress happens regardless in a management position, but you will exassurbate it by By ensuring you have a proper balance between work and personal life, you’re taking proactive steps to prevent burnout. This means taking regular breaks, delegating tasks, and knowing when to step back.

Better Decision Making

When you’re constantly working without taking breaks, your decision-making abilities can suffer.

Fatigue clouds judgment and makes it harder to think clearly which leads to poor decisions that affect not just you, but your entire team and business.

Taking time to relax and recharge can help you approach problems with a fresh perspective. When you’re well-rested, your mind is sharper, and you’re better equipped to make sound decisions.

And like mentioned earlier, this sets a great example for your team. Why? Because rather than encouraging them to keep going despite showing clear signs of burnout and brain fog, you encourage them to take a step back.

Enhance Creativity and Innovation

Creativity and innovation are vital for any successful business but they don’t thrive in a stressed and overworked mind.

When you give yourself the space to relax and unwind, you open up the potential for creative thinking.

Some of the best ideas come when you’re not actively working. Some of the best ideas come when you've had a good night's sleep. Some of the best ideas come when you give yourself space to unwind and come back to it tomorrow.

Giving yourself balance will allow you to think in a way you otherwise wouldn't if you were sat at your desk each and every minute of the day.

It's Important for Your Personal Life

Regardless of how beneficial work-life balance is for your professional life, let's not forget that it's beneficial for your personal life.

And above all, your personal life is the top priority. Work is just one, small part of your life, and if it consumes all your time and energy, your relationships and personal happiness will suffer. You need time for your family, friends, hobbies, and just plain relaxation.

A good work-life balance helps you maintain strong personal relationships and enjoy your time outside of work. It’s about being present for your loved ones and creating a fulfilling life beyond the office. Remember, you’re more than your job title, your managing status, or the business you run, and taking time to nurture your personal life will make you a more rounded, happier individual.

- Written by Tim Macmillan

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