Work life balance a reality
Work life balance a reality
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Making a work life balance a reality
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 Can you really mix business and pleasure? We’ve been taught that the two are clearly opposites, that there is a distinct line drawn between them. So, is it really possible to achieve a work/life balance?
What is a work-life balance anyway?
For those approaching or already in retirement, a work/life balance can mean a number of
- It could mean you are working part-time instead of full-time.
- Or, you may just decide to change your working hours to suit your lifestyle.
- You may also incorporate other responsibilities including caring for a relative, or personal education and advancement.
- Community contribution may also be an option – the ability to ‘give back’.
The benefit of this ‘work- life balance’ is being able to earn some money while still having time to enjoy and explore your personal interests and needs.
But is it really achievable?
There are a lot of barriers preventing people who are phasing to retirement or in retirement already from taking advantage of this way of life. Superannuation rules, inflexible workplaces and age discrimination are some of the hurdles that need to be overcome.
A new report has found Australia continues to lag behind international counterparts when it comes to mature age employment. The Experience Works- The Mature Employment Challenge report from National Seniors Australia (NSA) Productive Ageing Centre shows Australia ranked 13th in a list of OECD countries which measured labour force participation rates in the over 55s.
It shows that negative attitudes toward older workers and a lack of incentives for businesses were linked to the low participation rates amongst people over 55 years of age.
One of the challenges that people initially struggle with is how to make the positive steps to realise a work life balance. Here are some tips.
For yourself:
- Determine what you personal versus work needs are. Research your entitlements.
- Investigate the work/life balance available within your organisation or prospective employer.
- Document your work/life balance goals so that you have them ready for when your employer asks.
- What are your plans for retirment or taking the next change in your working life. For example, Does your employer have an alumni programme? Can you do an exchange with another location?
- Are there opportunities to do volunteer work?
Questions for your employer or prospective employer:
- Do you have a work/life balance policy?
- How is the work/life balance policy implemented?This covers things like training, communication across the organisation and investment in developing workplace culture.
That’s where BeNext comes in. We are working with industry and business to reduce the barriers, to help people connect with employers who value experience and maturity – and who are also prepared to support them in their quest for a work -life balance.
We also want to know how you’ve found the quest to achieve a work/life balance. What are your experiences? Do you have the secret to success? We’d love to hear from you. Please share you experience by contacting us today.
BeNext
We’re here to provide you with the tools and resources to equip yourself so that you can find the employment you want. So that you can find a way to do something that you enjoy, but that also gives you the ability to give back in a way that provides true fulfilment – the ability to become a true citizen. We are committed to supporting opportunities for experienced adults to connect with work that matters. Tell your friends and share BeNext so that they can be kept informed of the latest in achieving a work/life balance too.
If you likes this article you may also like to read "Take the steps to work that matters"
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