Posing the problem about Work/Life Balance

In Britain we work on average over 40 hours a week which is the highest level of working hours in Europe. Gaining a Work/Life balance is becoming an epidemic problem in our social environment. The impact of working more hours affects not only our increasing stress levels and health but also the relationships which are important to us. Stress levels are at an all time high with many employers having to pay for staff being 'signed off' by the doctor. This is a huge drain on business finances and productivity.

As an SME, especially when you are starting the business, you can find yourself working long hours, working evenings and weekends. We can trade off our personal time in the hope that we might get ahead in our game. Networking events can start at 7 in the morning, and you could even be out networking until 11 o'clock! You might find yourself checking your emails early morning or late at night when the kids have gone to bed and before you know it you might find yourself emailing still at midnight.
It can seem when it is our own business that we put our personal life on hold and focus most of our time and energy on building our client base and reputation.

Spending more hours at work means that we spend fewer hours with our partner and children, and generally enjoying life. What is the point of working so much that you don't have the energy to enjoy life? Are we such a materialistic society now that we have to earn money any way we can to have the best house, furniture, car, holiday, clothes, dine at the best restaurants that we can afford? I know of people who have several jobs and 'income streams' so that they can simply pay their bills! We are in danger of forgetting the meaning of life.

The amount of alcohol consumed is on the increase. People think nothing of relaxing with a bottle of wine at the end of the day every night of the week, when historically we would have waited for the weekend to enjoy a little 'tipple'.

What is it all about? How do we measure our success? Surely the balance in our bank account, where we live and the car we drive are not the only indicators of success? Surely enjoying good health, having time to enjoy life, experiencing personal growth, positive self-esteem, personal interests, having time with your partner, children, family and friends, helping others in society, and spiritual growth are also indicators our success?

Whether you employ staff or are a sole trader you need to consider all the options to have a productive team by being aware of stress levels, managing time effectively, and using flexible working patterns to achieve a balance between business success and personal well being.

Ripples' Coaching and Training understands the pressure we all face trying to be successful. Ripples offer two solutions to help you to regain the balance in your life. You can either attend one of our half day workshops designed to help you to improve your Work/Life Balance, or you might prefer some personal Life Coaching one to one sessions to discuss your unique situation and find ways to achieve a better balance. To book your free Life Coaching taster session or register your interest in one of our life changing workshops for please call free phone 0800 084 2290, or email rippleslifecoach@blueyonder.co.uk. Web site www.rippleslifecoaching.co.uk