Balance@work

Even with the iShoe, we aren't sure if professionals will spend less time in office, and head to a spa on a Tuesday evening, for instance. While the insole may beep incessantly, warning the user that he's about to burnout, drop dead, or worse still, die alone, the professional is most likely to dismiss it as just another work intrusive agent, like family, friends, or ill health. It's usually out of choice that professionals skew the work-life balance.

They thrive on the apparent high that comes from a job well done. At the end of this lopsided life lies, a dull drained out individual, who worked too hard for his own good. Here's why you guys need to take a chill pill.

These two have no time

I haven't met friends for months
Fall rating: 3/5
Amartya Sinha, 29, International Marketing Manager, Here&Now 365
Since Amartya works for a UK-based company, he works on London time. Brainstorming on ways to crack a deal, continues till 3 am.
When work is balanced, I have a life: When there is a work overload, I don't have a life. Once that passes, I get off work by 9 pm.

But, work always follows you home: Work calls continue when I am at home.
On weekends too, I meet friends who stay close by: Meeting friends who live in South Mumbai, is impossible. I catch up with pals around my residence.

Life, what's that?
Fall rating: 5/5
Twisha Pal, 26, Freelance Art Director
Twisha works round the clock, often without taking breaks between two projects. She took her first family holiday this year, after 3 years. She returned from an outdoor shoot last night, and is back to work this morning.
I meet friends only over a midnight buffet: That too, on weekends. I have no other open slots, if I have a project at-hand.
She now dedicates one evening to her personal life every week: I make sure to get off work slightly early on one day of the week, to meet up with friends, spend time with family, or unwind with a good read.

Can't find a work-life balance?
Start here >>>

Arjun Aiyar, Director, ThinqDynamiq,
a training and consultancy firm
Don't look for a quick fix: Attaining work-life balance is not like cooking instant noodles — it does not happen in two minutes. It takes time, effort, and consistency.

It's a matter of priority: Giving time to family, health, friends, and hobbies is a matter of making time.
Avoid time wasters: Time management is one of the keys to good balance. Steer clear of negative gossip sessions, and don't waste your time reading trash. Successful people have the emotional strength to say 'No' to activities and people that drain their time.

Garbage In, Garbage Out: Manage your attitude and energy levels by eating and living right. Avoid bingeing on junk food, excessive smoking, and drinking. For a healthy mind, use non-productive commuting time for reading, or listening to music, instead of indulging in meaningless phone conversations, for instance.
Manage your problems: Don't be bogged down by adversity, develop an 'attitude of gratitude'. Make a list of all the things that you are grateful for.

Take this quiz to find out if your balance is tipped
 
At the end of every week, ask yourself how you fared in the following SIX areas. Did you devote some time to:
Career/Finance: Make sure you contribute to your organisation and add value to their business.
Home/Relationships: Do something to put a smile on at least one person in your family.

Social: A quality conversation with a friend without any hidden agenda.
Physical: Experts suggest 15 minutes of vigorous movement is superior to one hour of "hanging out" at
the gym.

Mental: Read at least a portion of
a good book.
Spiritual: Do something to connect with your inner self and the forces
of the universe.

Professional trends

Firms are revamping rules to ensure employees have a life

Paternity leave is granted: Even though it is not a law, we grant a 3-day paternity leave.
PTA meetings: Employees with kids have obligations to fulfil. We allow them to commit to personal events, like
PTA meetings.
7 pm, everyone out: We realised that the Accounts team was working too hard. We now have a bell that goes off at 7 pm, and forces everyone to leave office.
Special timings for women: Women in the office are granted flexi hours (if need be), irrespective of designations. 

It depends on you >>

Ritika trusts advance planning: If you work in an organisation where planning for the year unfolds in the first month, you get a chance to plan your life.

She dedicates all evenings to personal life: I start at 9.30 am, and wind up by 6 pm. I hit the gym, relax at home, or meet friends.