Striking the right balance

As one year ends and another begins, New Year resolutions are made and broken! One resolution common to many of our clients this year is to spend more time with family. It sounds simple, but achieving this takes planning—including an exploration of the financial implications of any change to your working hours.

We’ve all heard about work-life balance, but what does actually mean, and how can you achieve it?

Work-life balance describes a person’s ability to effectively manage their paid work commitments, career goals, personal, community and cultural responsibilities, interests and obligations. The balance is achieved when a person’s right to an enriched life, both within and outside paid work, is recognised and valued.

Finding this balance obviously benefits individuals, but also families, employers and the broader community.

Many employers have already recognised these benefits, and support the development of a workplace culture that acknowledges and values the importance of a healthy balance between work and all the other elements that make up a satisfying life.

People who maintain this balance between work and their other commitments are better able to manage multiple responsibilities without feeling guilty about sacrificing priorities at work or in their personal lives.

Because they have choices, they are also more likely to feel in control of their lives. They may also feel more secure, happier, and thus motivated, if they work for an employer that supports their right to make choices between work and home life.

Achieving a healthy work-life balance can mean a reduction in your workload and an increase in the time you have available to meet your commitments, exercise or enjoy other activities, all of which can improve your health and reduce stress.

If improving your work-life balance in 2010 is important to you, then the sooner you begin planning for change, the sooner you’ll reap the personal, professional and health benefits. Now is the perfect time to speak with Aequis, your financial advice centre and a true fee-for-advice business that specialises in providing advice to health professionals.

To make an appointment with one of our advisers contact our Rosny office on
6282 2822.