OPINION
Sophia Gowland , managing director , The Petite Agency
I ’ ve struggled to switch off from work since the day I started my business , but I think that ’ s part of the package ! Fast forward four years , and while I ’ ve definitely made some progress , I ’ ll be the first to admit I ’ m far from perfect .
I think you ’ ve got to give yourself boundaries , which is hard to do when you work for yourself , but it does help to have them ( even loosely ) in place .
One boundary I ’ ve set for myself this year is dedicating one day a week to working from home , with no calls or meetings booked in . It ’ s a day when I can clear my head while tackling both work and personal tasks , helping me to feel more organised .
Julie Burniston , head of corporate development , Teesside Hospice
A work-life balance is something I ’ ve always struggled with , more so since joining Teesside Hospice because I just love my role ! I ’ m often told to take it easy , but the charity is just so wonderful and vital to our community that when the team need volunteers – whether that ’ s shaking a bucket or supporting with an out-of-hours event – I will be there .
I usually bring my daughter Evangeline with me , so at least we get to spend time together . As for relaxing – well , that ’ s just not in my DNA . Saying that , I had a small health scare recently , which made me realise I do need to take some more time for myself . So I ’ m back at the gym and dancing – and I already feel better for it . It ’ s a work in progress , but I ’ m getting there !
Elaine McLaine-Wood , managing partner , Punch Robson Solicitors
I am not sure anyone can ever say they get a good work-life balance when you take on a senior role in the industry you work within . My children are now older , in their 20s , so it is much easier than it was when they were younger .
Being in my late 40s , I can only say I have now perfected striking the best balance I can . I achieve this by doing exercise , playing the piano , reading and time away with family on weekends , so I feel refreshed when returning to work on Mondays . Relaxation and hobbies are key .
Angela Turley , head of marketing , communications and PR , Sembcorp UK
It can be hard to switch off if there is lots going on at work , but I always find that going for a quick walk on an evening and either listening to a light-hearted podcast or chatting to a friend really helps clear my head .
There is something about getting outside when you have lots going on that can really help you reset and switch off .
The voice of business in the Tees region | 13