OPINION
Tees Talk
With much focus on the importance of striking a good worklife balance , we asked local businesspeople how good they are at getting the balance right . Do they struggle to switch off from work sometimes ? Do they have any good work-life strategies ? Here ’ s what they said …
Lee Elgie , managing director , Gallagher , Stockton-on-Tees
Achieving a work-life balance is an ongoing process . We are all so accessible now and entwined to tech , so it can be hard to switch off , but I make efforts to implement some strategies that help .
The one that works best for me is to establish clear boundaries between work and personal life . Being back in the office has made this easier , although it can be hard to stop checking work emails .
I do find exercise is great for me – and running , in particular , helps my physical and mental wellbeing . The final strategy I try to do ( with limited success ) is to take breaks from technology .
Jo Davies , managing director , HR Alchemy
It ’ s so much easier when you ’ re not a business owner , but as the person ultimately responsible for a business and its employees , it ’ s almost impossible in reality . I can recall one holiday in the last seven years when I didn ’ t take my laptop and check my emails and take work calls , sadly .
I really struggle to switch off , especially if we have a difficult case or circumstance we are dealing with . I ’ d like to say I practise yoga or meditate – but the honest truth is I will just crack open a bottle of wine . I was much better at managing my work-life balance as an employee , but that all changed as a business owner .
Tom Warnock , senior large business engagement manager , North East Chamber of Commerce
I am lucky that my employer and role enables me to be flexible and work when I feel most productive . I know when I work best and when my brain and body need to pause . A few days a week I ’ m able to get some exercise during the day , which re-energises me and helps me finish the day strongly .
Another thing I try to do is have a screen break , as we are all somewhat slaves to our laptops and smartphones . My personal favourite way to break up the day in between meetings and tasks is short mindfulness meditations . Try it !
Peter Calvert , founder , Embeddable
Especially in the early years of business , it ’ s easy to be all work at life ’ s expense . Thankfully , I thrive in routine , which helps me keep track of work-life balance . When I find myself skipping my usual plans , I know to step back and recalibrate .
Working with ambitious people to bring their ideas to life , sometimes it ’ s hard to “ check out ” at the end of the day . But my one-year-old daughter is the reason I started my business at all , so she ’ s the only reminder I need that , ultimately , there are aspects of life that are more important than work .
12 | Tees Business