Work/Life Balance a Continual Struggle for Majority in the U.S.
Findings from DayTimers Study Conducted by Consumer Opinion Research show that individuals need more work/life balance.
Lehigh Valley, PA (PRWEB) February 8, 2007 -- A recent DayTimers survey, conducted by Opinion Research Corporation, found that the majority of Americans have difficulty with stress, cutting down the number of hours worked per week, and finding and enjoying leisure time. In fact, 61 percent noted that they were unable to reduce stress in their life during the past year. 57 percent were unable to enjoy as much leisure time as they would like, while 89 percent were unable to work fewer hours this past year.
"Work and daily life activities both have become cluttered with unplanned and frenetic activity, leaving little occasion to enjoy the things that matter," commented Maria Woytek, Life Management Expert, Day-Timers.
Wikipedia defines "work-life balance" as "a person's control over the conditions in their workplace. [Work-life balance is accomplished when an individual feels dually satisfied about their personal life and their paid occupation. It mutually benefits the individual, business and society when a person's personal life is balanced with his or her own job."
According to a survey, by The Discovery Group, of 50,000 employees from a variety of manufacturing and service organizations, two out of five employees are dissatisfied with the balance between their work and personal lives. Over the years, there have been many changes that have contributed to an imbalance between work and personal life. Today we live in a global economy where business is carried out 24 hours per day. While technology claims to improve our lives, we also have been burdened by advanced communication technology, which now gives us the ability to work from anywhere -- home, car and even on vacation. Working longer hours has become mandatory for people hoping to move up the career ladder.
For the past 60 years, Day-Timers has worked to help individuals gain control of their lives. Here are time-tested tips to reduce stress and maintain harmony in key areas of life:
Tip #1 -- What Are You Doing?
"You can't manage time unless you know where you spend it," Bob Dorney, DayTimers founder was often heard saying. If you commit to tracking everything you do for one week -- both work related and non-work related -- it becomes much easier to see which actions need to be eliminated, delegated or given more time and attention.
Tip #2 -- Rethink The Meeting Merry-Go-Round
Many meetings are completely unnecessary and often a waste of time for all of those present. Decide which meetings are crucial and fit into your department's goals. Cut out the ones that are not, or share them with a colleague. For instance, one attends a meeting and fills in the other, and vice versa. Be sure that all meetings you attend have a stated agenda. Commit publicly to the time the meeting will end and stick to the commitment.
Tip # 3 -- Take A Quick Chore Blow-out
There are always a ton of essential little chores that need to be done: pick up the dry cleaning, make a doctor's appointment, empty the dishwasher. None of these items are time consuming, but the longer left undone, the more they take up valuable mental space. Take 10 minutes and get one or two small tasks out of the way. It's surprising how much freedom results from getting them out of the way.
Tip # 4 -- Do It Automatically
Today there are many time-saving options for paying bills. Instead of writing checks to multiple companies, take advantage of the automatic bill pay feature offered by most banks.
Tip # 5 -- Just Say No
Set aside time each day for an activity that you enjoy, such as walking, working out or listening to music. Don't allow other people to place obligations on how your time should be spent. Practice politely setting boundaries and don't be afraid to say no.
"It is possible to live a more balanced life, but it takes awareness, commitment, determination, and action. Every few minutes saved can be dedicated to something that we really want to do, or to the much-needed activity of leisure and rest. Every little bit counts," concluded Woytek.
Established in 1947, DayTimers, Inc. is the original American provider of time management solutions and organization tools to help simplify life. Day-Timers is a subsidiary of ACCO Brands (NYSE: ABD). The complete DayTimer line of planners, luxury leather covers, portfolios, handbags and more can be found at www.daytimer.com or by calling 1-800-225-5505. Select organization tools are also available at Staples, Office Depot, and other major office supply retailers.
Subsidiary of ACCO Brands Corporation
Contact: Leesa Raab, LaMotta Strategic Communications, Inc. 845-358-6306(o).
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