If you end your workday feeling exhausted, then you may want to create some work life boundaries. This is about limiting the amount of extra time you spend on your job. It’s actually a good way to make you more productive at work.
Some get caught in the trap of thinking that working longer hours produces a better performance. Often, it only results in burnout.
In this episode of our Employee Productivity series, you’ll learn several easy to use strategies designed to positively adjust your work life balance.
What Productivity Questions Does This Video Answer?
- How do I create work life boundaries?
- What can I do to make sure I go home from work on time?
- How can I reward myself for not working late?
- How can I learn when I perform at my best at work?
Video Transcript for How to Create Work Life Boundaries
Feel like you’re starting to burn out at work? Consider creating some boundaries. The needs of your job may see you working a lot. You’re staying late. You’re trying to catch up on everything. As a result, you’re getting tired. Maybe you’re starting to neglect family responsibilities.
That’s not a good situation. What I often want people to do is to create some boundaries. Because it can give you a structure that can actually increase your productivity, even though you may be spending less time in the office.
So, the first boundary I want you to consider: a time boundary. You set a quitting time. 5 o’clock, 5:30. You kind of draw that land line in the sand and say, “After this time, I’m going to stop working.”
What this can do is, it can force you to get things done. If you know you got to be out the door at five and you’re starting something that takes 10 minutes to do, you’re going to spend 10 minutes to do it. You’re not going to spend 20 minutes, because you get unlimited time if you stay late.
You’ve got to make sure that you stick to this boundary, so that you stick to this boundary so I often encourage people to reward themselves. Give yourself some special food. Maybe it’s a special drink. Couple extra minutes in the shower. Do something that thanks to you for honoring the time boundary.
It’s also important to remember that you’re not a machine. And actually, even machines have to be stopped every once in a while for maintenance. They need rest as well.
There are going to be those times where you are hot. You’re like that basketball player who can’t miss. But eventually, you cool down. Those are good times to get away, rest, and relax.
Your mind is working on problems and thinking about things. It’s in the background. Let that happen. Let the ideas percolate. Don’t force inspirational thought or extra work to just suddenly appear. It won’t.
Final tip is to analyze your performance. Track a week or so. See when are you performing at your best. Are you a morning person? Early afternoon? An hour before you leave? When are you performing at your best?
Now, consider what you are doing during those times because it there’s a chance if you’re a morning person, you’re doing a bunch of menial tasks, first thing, then you’re not taking advantage of your most productive time.
Use that on the tasks that maybe require a little extra focus. By doing this, you’ll be more affective more efficient and more likely to get out of work on time
About This Video Series
Ken Okel’s ongoing Employee Productivity video series will make you more effective on the job. Every week, you’ll learn a new, easy to understand tip that you can use right away, like how automation can help your team.
Tired of a productivity problem, like work life boundaries? Let us know and we’ll feature it in an upcoming episode.
About Ken Okel
As a motivational speaker, Ken Okel works with leaders and organizations to boost productivity, performance, and profits. At conferences, conventions, and company meetings, he engages audiences with new ways to maximize their time at work. To see a sample of his keynote and workshop presentations, visit his video page.
