Everyone has their own reasons for starting a business, but a common one is the desire for greater flexibility and a better work/life balance. But have you escaped the 9-5, only to wind
up slogging away 24/7? If so, here’s how to nurture your company and build a successful business without neglecting your family and friends, not to mention your wellbeing…

1. Pencil in precious quality time

When business is busy and you’re building your successful business, it’s easy for home commitments to start slipping your mind. So while you get your workload under control (for more tips on that, see here), start blocking out some family time in your diary alongside your other important meetings. Sports day?
Sorted. Birthday meal with your mum? Done.

If you really can’t make an event once in a while, there’s no need to beat yourself up about it – but do try to get into the habit of scheduling downtime and sticking to it as much as possible.

2. Give yourself clear cut-offs

Hybrid working and WFH both have their benefits, but one downside is that it’s harder than
ever to set firm boundaries between your work and private life.

Where possible, if you’re based at home, choose an area to be your designated “office” (preferably somewhere with a door). Then, at the end of the working day, switch off your computer and move to another room to draw an invisible – but important – line between business and personal time. Avoid
the temptation to “just check” on messages; most things can usually wait until the next morning – and if it’s really urgent, someone will call.

If you absolutely have to work late – as most of us do from time to time – then try to take a
break with your loved ones (for example, to eat dinner together). An hour of your undivided
attention is worth three of you fiddling with your phone.

3. Communication is crucial

If you know you’re going to be slammed for the next two weeks straight, speak to your
family – calmly and in advance – and let them know the score. Explain the challenge ahead and why it’s important that you meet it, but also be willing to make some concessions once
the project in question is out of the way.

So you could say, “I’m afraid I’ve got a big pitch coming up, which could be worth a lot to us, and I’ll have to work late this fortnight to prepare. But once that’s out of the way, I’ll book an afternoon off so that I can whisk you away for a slap-up lunch/take the kids somewhere fun after school/invite the in-laws over
for dinner” (delete as appropriate).

4. Book a break

Taking a much-needed holiday might seem counterproductive when you’re snowed under,
but working 52 weeks a year simply isn’t sustainable. If the thought of going away for a
fortnight has you waking up in a cold sweat, start small with a weekend mini break and build
up from there.

Plan your trip well in advance so you can gradually pull forward at work, then relax and
enjoy some quality time with your nearest and dearest. (Just for the record, quality time
does not constitute you refreshing your emails every ten minutes.) Plus a vacation is a great
way to recharge your batteries – which in turn will be better for business, too.

5. Take care of yourself

It’s official: being a workaholic is bad for your health. A global analysis by the World Health
Organization and the International Labour Organization found that working 55-plus hours a
week is associated with an estimated 35% higher risk of a stroke and 17% higher risk of
dying from ischemic heart disease, compared to working 35-40 hours.

So if you’re currently on the fast track to a heart attack, it’s time to cut your workload to a more manageable amount, for your sake as well as your family’s. It’s also vital to eat well, exercise and find
ways to switch off, so you’re not getting stressed and snapping at your loved ones.

6. Make the most of your lunch hour

Food is your body’s fuel, so stop skipping lunch and start using that time productively to
connect with friends and family. Meet a mate for a swift pub lunch, catch up with your
partner at the local coffee shop, or see your kids for a quick picnic in the park during half
term.

A break will do wonders for your afternoon energy levels, too.

7. Lead by example

Create a family-friendly culture in your business by allowing staff a reasonable amount of
flexibility. Not only can it help you to retain talent – several studies have found that most
employees would prefer flexible working over a pay rise – but if you support your team to
fulfil their own commitments, they’ll hopefully do the same for you.

What’s more, research suggests that a happy workplace is a more hardworking one; a study from the University of Warwick found that happiness made people around 12% more productive.

I GET IT!

If you’re still struggling with the daily juggle but you still want to build a successful business, or simply need a hand finding your rhythm, a good business consultant can help you to identify your priorities, streamline your workflow for maximum productivity, and strike a balance that suits you.

As a busy parent and entrepreneur myself, I’ve been there and got the T-shirt (I think it’s in the wash with my toddler’s dinner down it), so I understand the challenges you’re facing – and what it takes to
thrive.

Want to chat further? Then please get in touch today and let’s build your successful business.