Every employer and employee needs to realize how important work-life balance is for both mental and physical health and overall productivity and success. Often the complexity of legal documents and not paying attention to the details cause misunderstanding between companies and their employees leading to overwhelming stress.
Most of us find ourselves choosing between getting the work done and having private lives. However, achieving perfect balance is only possible through well-informed decision-making, clearly defined responsibilities, and set working hours. In this article, we will explore the reasons that lead to unhealthy work-life balance and the significance of analyzing legal documents and signing the contract that works for us.
What Causes Work-Life Imbalance?
There are various reasons why people feel obligated to work overtime, show up to work even when they are sick, not take the vacation days they are entitled to and avoid open conversation with their boss about the issues they are facing.
- Because of the high unemployment rate, people feel fortunate to have a job and fear losing it if they don't give it their all.
- Not enough analysis of the details and discussion of the legal documents.
- Lack of knowledge of employee rights to holidays, sick days, and vacations.
- A toxic work environment gives workers the impression they can't critically evaluate and report about the working conditions.
Analyzing Legal Documents Before Signing
Do you still have a copy of the contract you agreed to when you accepted your present or previous position? Once they receive a job offer, many people believe the negotiation is over. It's normal to feel proud of yourself after a successful interview, and this is definitely cause for celebration. However, there is a whole process between the interview and the first day of work that can be determining your work-life balance for the following years.
Before you sign the contract, consider the following recommendations:
- No need to rush! You have every right to take your time and carefully read the job offer and contract.
- Make sure the obligations given in the contract are ones you are willing to commit.
- Consider your working hours and make sure you have time for friends, family, hobbies, and mental health.
- If something is unclear, feel free to ask questions openly or consult with a lawyer.
- Ask for changes in the contract, if you realized that you do not agree to any part of it, even if during the interview you said otherwise.
- Know your rights and the laws that protect you in case an employer treats you unfairly at work or fires you.
Avoiding Excessive Overtime
Supervisors frequently give the impression that if a task is not completed on time, it is your fault rather than the fact that it needed longer than expected. The negative effects of working overtime are numerous.
To avoid working overtime:
- Try to estimate a realistic time needed when beginning the task.
- Update your supervisor on the project status on a regular base and inform them promptly if any issue is slowing the completion of the task.
- If you realize you cannot complete the task by the deadline and it is time-sensitive, be sure to ask for assistance on time.
- Be open if you feel overwhelmed and are given too many responsibilities.
Understanding Holiday Entitlement and Sick Leaves
It is common that people do not take all of their vacation days within the year. It can also be caused by unclear bureaucracy behind the process. Make sure that you ask your employer the rules, how many vacation days you can take, and how many days before you need to give your supervisor a notice. To take vacation days, you don't necessarily need to plan a trip. You might as well take some time off to indulge in your hobbies, spend time with your friend or by yourself to regain strength and energy.
Remember, not having enough time to relax leads to overwhelming, affects your health, and reduces your productivity. Because of this, perhaps using vacation days ought to be required.
Engaging in Your Gambling at Work
When you are overwhelmed at work, you might feel the need to take a break and indulge in your hobbies for relaxation. If you enjoy playing online casino games, we cannot recommend doing that in the office, as it is not welcome at work and may result in issues.
In fact, workplace gambling can have many legal repercussions, as various states in the United States prohibit it. So, before you dive into real online casino, make sure to abide by gambling laws in your location, or perhaps, opt for at-home gambling. That way, you'll be able to avoid issues at work and indulge in casinos in a safe environment.
Embracing Day-Offs for Mental Well-being
Make sure that you never go to work when you are feeling sick. Your health must be a priority for you and your employer as well. This also applies to mental well-being as well. Stress or depression is more than enough of a reason to take the day off, unwind, and return to work the next day with more strength.
Navigating Flexibility and Remote Work
Feel free to negotiate a flexible schedule or a few days of working from home. After all of the COVID-19 experience, we are more than prepared to work online in today's world, so feel free to discuss your preferences.
In the end, make sure that the working conditions offered by the company will be beneficial for your professional growth and will not harm your physical and mental health. Therefore, don't be afraid to initiate open dialogue both before and after you sign your contract. These will benefit both you and the company you work for.