New Year’s Resolution: Strike a Better Work/Life Balance

Perhaps you’re thinking of making some changes in the New Year. A popular resolution is to strike a better balance in life — to work to live rather than the other way around.

But what does this mean in practical terms? Is it simply about spending fewer late nights at work, and saving more time for family?

Staffing firm Robert Half recently polled workers on their attitudes on this subject. Surprisingly, 77% of the respondents said that their work-life balance was good, or very good. (So much for America being the land of burned-out, frustrated workaholics).

Nearly half of respondents (45%) reported they have greater balance than three years ago. They have made progress.

However, one in five of all workers (22%) consider their work-life balance fair or poor. These are the ones who need to make – and keep – that New Year’s resolution in 2016.

Fortunately, companies are making it easier to do so. Paul McDonald, senior executive director for Robert Half, said that “Employers today are introducing more flexibility in how, when and where work is performed, and employees are reaping the rewards. At the same time, businesses can enjoy enhanced retention efforts.”

A big part of keeping your New Year’s resolution is to make an actionable plan, and give it voice. Figure out what you need to do to strike a better work-life balance – in specific terms – then discuss it with your boss.

You may find that your boss is not only willing to listen, but even has some suggestions to offer. That’s because, as McDonald points out, companies reap tangible benefits when workers are happy. Offering flexibility is simply a good business decision.

So, make that resolution, then make it happen.