Voices of the Humber: The Importance of Maintaining a Healthy Work-Life Balance

As the summer continues with its longer days and warmer weather, the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance becomes even more evident. It is crucial to proactively address the unique challenges of balancing work and personal life during this season and beyond.

Many find it difficult to juggle annual leave plans and coordinate with family, friends, and colleagues. Parents face the added complexity of managing childcare when schools are on break, often needing to arrange and finance additional care or activities for their children. The offer of summer activities such as outdoor events, travel, and social gatherings can also make staying productive at work more challenging.

Stevie Scott, Director of People and Culture at Hull and East Yorkshire Mind, emphasises that the unique opportunities summer offers for outdoor activities and relaxation are essential for both physical and mental well-being. 

She said: "Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is important year-round, but it becomes particularly crucial during the summer months. This is because the longer days and warmer weather offer unique opportunities that are not as readily available during other times of the year. Taking advantage of the longer days and warmer weather for outdoor activities and relaxation not only supports physical and mental health but also helps prevent burnout, ensuring you’re staying well.”

An imbalanced work-life routine can significantly impact mental health and well-being, especially during the summer. "The stress and anxiety from excessive work can increase because people feel they’re missing out on doing the things they enjoy and relaxation," Stevie explained. "This can lead to frustration and resentment, as they can't fully enjoy the summer holidays, outdoor activities, and friends and family time. Over time, this constant stress can cause burnout, making them feel emotionally drained and less productive."

To help navigate these challenges, Stevie kindly shared several resourceful tips for maintaining a work-life balance:

• Set clear boundaries between work and personal time.
• Schedule regular breaks and take your annual leave.
• Prioritise tasks and delegate when possible.
• Make time for physical activities and hobbies.
• Don’t overcommit yourself to work or social activities.

Employers also play a crucial role in supporting their employees' work-life balance. According to recent research conducted by Lenovo and the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr), two-thirds of UK employees (66%) consider work-life balance a crucial factor in their decision to apply for a job. However, the study also reveals that a third of these employees (31%) do not currently experience a satisfactory work-life balance.

"Employers can support their employees by offering flexible work schedules, encouraging regular breaks, providing stress management resources, and promoting a culture that values work-life balance," Stevie suggested. "These steps can lead to a more motivated, engaged, and healthy workforce. At Hull and East Yorkshire Mind, we can help by working with employers to create healthier work environments. That’s why we offer training for staff on stress management, building resilience, and preventing burnout. These tailored training courses are designed to teach practical techniques to manage stress and recognise burnout early."

To maintain a consistent work-life balance beyond the summer, adopting several long-term strategies is essential. Setting realistic goals is key. By establishing clear and achievable objectives for both work and personal life, individuals can avoid overcommitting and reduce stress. Breaking tasks into manageable steps and prioritising them helps manage time effectively, ensuring steady progress without becoming overwhelmed.

Another crucial strategy is learning to say no. People often take on too much due to fear of disappointing others or missing out on opportunities. However, understanding personal limits and declining additional responsibilities when necessary is vital for maintaining balance and preventing burnout.

For more information on creating a healthier work environment, visit Hull and East Yorkshire Mind.

Stay tuned for more expert perspectives and authentic insights from professionals in our "Voices of the Humber" series. Our goal is to empower individuals and communities throughout the Humber region, break down industry silos, and inspire the next generation of regional ambassadors.

Want to have your say?

Complete the form below on what topics we should cover next!