Wayne Newitts
Senior Marketing Manager
Viewpoint
Portland, Oregon

When I was introduced to the expression “work-life balance,” I scoffed at the notion. I was raised to always try to be the hardest working person in the room.

Today, I’ve had a shift in perspective. By separating work from life, we put them at odds. If the work we do does not resonate with the life we wish to lead, we have three choices: Accept and deal with that fact, change our approach to work or find something else to do. I suggest the second option is where we should start.

Adopting methods to work more efficiently (e.g., “work smarter, not harder”) are fine. But this implies that, to some extent, we’re not really “living” when we’re working.

Instead, if we incorporate things that bring us joy into the workplace, then work can become a valued part of life. Start with simple things: Invite a co-worker to lunch. Start an office book club.

The bottom line is that what we do does not have to define who we are. But who we are can help to define the ways in which we work.

Irma Wehmeyer
Chief Estimator/Project Manager
hth companies, inc.
Union, Missouri

I find that technology tends to be a double-edged sword, making work-life balance more difficult at times and easier at others.

While traveling for work, the advancements in technology make it easier to communicate with family through several different methods, even if it is just a quick, check-in text message.

The downside is that the con venience of technology makes it harder to “unplug” when you are taking time off. In order to maintain the balance and keep up with work, I limit my “plugged-in” time. I get up early to catch up on work, checking in again at lunch and then at the end of the day, allowing me to keep up with work commitments and clients. The rest of the time is devoted to family.

This strategy enables me to maintain my connections with both work and family. I think the main thing to remember is that this takes a conscious effort, which creates balance between the two areas instead of conflict.

Bob Robinson
President
Interior Specialties
Altamonte Springs, Florida

Because we put an emphasis on using the right technology and finding the right team members to make each job run smoothly, we travel all over the state to work with the best general contractors, from Pensacola to Miami and all points in between.

Being organized and process-driven is how we manage our business. This dovetails into the balance of work and life. By being proactive with our projects, and with our customers, we’re better able to manage our workload so that our workload doesn’t manage us.

As a specialty contractor for Divisions 10 and 12, we are often counted upon to finish the job well. That translates to pressure that needs to be properly managed. It’s important to stay physically and mentally sound for the benefit of yourself and your family, as well as the company and your customers. Setting time aside to spend time with your family and friends is essential to help you maintain your perspective on both work and life.