Hey there! Welcome to IPS Connect Coffee Chats about the importance of work-life balance. Nowadays, it’s getting tough to find that sweet spot between our personal lives and work obligations. So, come join us as we dive into why work-life balance is so important and share some tips on how to achieve it.

In the world of procurement, putting in more hours of work equates to working harder. As procurement professionals, we place a high value on achieving career success, many of us put in hours well beyond the contracted hours. While this approach can sometimes yield positive outcomes, it can also result in for instance losing concentration, experiencing frustration, and even facing burnout.

Maintaining work-life balance is important because it helps prevent burnout, enhances our well-being, boosts productivity, and strengthens our relationships. Striking the right balance between our personal and professional lives can be challenging with obstacles like are having to work long hours, feeling pressure to meet deadlines, not having enough flexibility, and not giving enough attention to our personal priorities.

So, before we dive in, let’s just pause and think about what really matters to you in your personal and work life. It’s crucial to figure this out so you can manage your time wisely. It’s also important to establish boundaries between your personal and professional life too. Don’t be afraid to say no when necessary and make it clear to others about where your limits lie. Trust me, it’ll help reduce your workload and avoid unnecessary stress. Remember, finding balance is an ongoing process, so be patient with yourself as you strive to create a more harmonious life.

How can we ensure that we are taking good care of ourselves and feeling awesome in our daily lives? One thing that’s super important is creating a routine where we do things to unwind and feel recharged. It could be hitting the gym, finding calm through meditation, indulging in our favourite hobbies, or simply hanging out with our favourite people. Having a healthy routine is also crucial when it comes to work. We should set realistic goals, make sure we take frequent breaks, and manage our time wisely so we don’t end up feeling overwhelmed.

It’s also important to be honest and upfront with your employer, co-workers, and people you care about what you can and can’t do. If you need advice or someone to talk to, don’t be afraid to ask mentors, friends, or join support groups to share ideas and learn from others. Also, remember to share the load and work together as a team when it comes to everyday tasks and family responsibilities.

During our coffee chat today, we chatted about the importance of finding a good balance between your personal life and work life. It’s not just being happy and healthy, but it helps you perform better at work and create stronger relationships. So, keep these ideas in mind and if you ever need help, don’t hesitate to ask. Thanks for joining us and enjoy your coffee until we meet again!