A survey house we found that about two thirds of respondents still had difficulty in balancing work and family life. It is also you? Read on.
1 – Read between the lines of our agenda
Our agenda is the best accessory for the organization of time. What about empty spaces between two activities? You learn to maximize all the boxes of our agenda. “I fix the empty boxes to fill with very specific tasks,” says Melanie, financial consultant. So, I’m racing on lunch or I’ll take five minutes to pay bills at the ATM before visiting a girlfriend. ”
Warning! It avoids overflows. “Assess the possibilities of your agenda, but go to the essentials. If you add a “I have to do” every minute of free, you impose unnecessary pressure, “advises Elise Castonguay, a psychologist at the Center for Psychology Gouin.
2 – Motto: anticipation
Whatever we do, we try to see beyond. ” For example, it provides a few more servings when preparing dinner. The next day, the leftovers make great lunches. If we do not want to eat right away, they freeze in individual portions. Thus, when late returns of the office, we can feed our family soon! Another example: “Now I choose my clothes a week in advance instead of doing every morning,” says Sylvie, project in an advertising agency. In addition to saving time, I do not desperately searching in my closet and say that I have nothing to put me on the back! ”
3 – Our boss, a great ally
According to Nathalie Bessette, human resources manager at Pointe-à-Callière, there are programs that allow employees to better manage the reconciliation of work and family. Thus, our company could set up a daycare in the workplace, providing hours of work schedule adapted to the family, or allow us to take leave without pay or deferred salary. “We know that people need flexibility to meet their family responsibilities. An employer may not always meet the desires of its employees, but he will listen to their needs and help them find other ways to accommodate them, “she says.
4 – Communication and teamwork
Regardless of the tricks that will develop to save time, one must learn to manage the pressure generated by the work-family balance. According to Elise Castonguay, psychologist, it is essential to communicate well and know himself. “When you talk to people in our stress, we take back the face of difficulties that we live. And when relativise, the difficulties we seem less important. With good teammates, both at work and at home, it makes our jobs easier and enjoyable, “she says.
5 – External Assistance
Whether for home or for cooking, there are companies that offer these services at affordable prices. “I hesitated long before deciding to hire a cleaning lady. I knew that I should cut elsewhere in my budget, but I have no regrets! This decision allowed me to concentrate on activities that make me really happy, like playing with my children, “says Melanie.