Nurturing Work-Life Balance And Supporting Staff In Doing The Same

Forbes

25-06-2025

Sabine Leveiller is the Marketing Vice President, of Europe at VistaPrint. She has over 20 years of experience in marketing strategy. getty
'Do what you love, and you'll never work a day in your life.'
Try saying that to anyone running a business and a family—both things they love—yet still ending most days exhausted. If that's you, and you secretly roll your eyes at such simplistic motivational quotes, you're not alone. According to a 2023 Simply Business study, 56% of surveyed small-business owners in the U.K. had experienced burnout at some point in the previous year, and 80% of them had suffered from poor mental health since starting their business.
Loving your work doesn't make you immune to the consequences of overwork. Unless you're among the 1% to 3% of the population thriving on five to six hours of sleep, overdoing it can lead to serious health risks, including depression, heart disease and diabetes, according to Harvard Business Review .
The solution is to consciously prioritize work-life balance. As a small-business owner and a parent, how do you do it all—sustainably? Be Strategic About It
Treat work-life balance as a business objective in its own right and work it into your growth plan. That'll ensure that any decisions you make are aligned with what's important to you. Even if things don't feel very balanced right now, you'll know you're actively working toward it. Work Out Proper Pricing
Many small-business owners fall into the trap of underselling their products or services, often thinking that's how they'll gain an edge over the competition. Once you're charging too little, though, you quickly end up working too much. Know Your Nonnegotiables
Whether it's putting your kids to bed or keeping Sundays email-free, identify what you won't compromise on. Write it down and share it with those who will keep you accountable. Define What's Considered An Emergency
Similarly, it's important to know what a true emergency is to you—an all-hands-on-deck situation where you'll do whatever it takes because that's what an emergency calls for. However, true emergencies are (thankfully) rare, so if you're striving for work-life balance, make sure you don't inadvertently get caught up in what only seems like one.
We live in a world plagued with distractions (email, messaging apps and social media, to name a few), and we don't even notice how detrimental they are to our productivity and our mental health. We glorify multitasking, even though our brains aren't actually capable of performing multiple cognitive tasks at once.
If you want to get more done more quickly, try doing less. Limit Distractions
Batch similar tasks and block time in your calendar to focus on them one at a time. It's advisable to have a separate work phone that you can put away during downtime. You can also add your working hours in your email signature, your social media bio and your WhatsApp status update to manage customer expectations around your availability. Learn To Prioritize
Being busy isn't the same as being productive. Use tools like the Eisenhower Matrix to figure out what really needs your attention. Automate And Build Systems
If you find yourself doing the same thing over and over again, you can probably automate it—think email templates to answer the most common customer questions, for example. Similarly, observe any operational patterns in your business and work them into a system that both you and your staff are familiar with. Streamlined processes are always more efficient. Delegate
Let go of tasks you're not good at, don't enjoy or which drain your time. Delegation isn't limited to staff; outsourcing design (such as logos or materials), admin or marketing on a case-by-case basis is perfectly valid. Proactively Seek Rest
When there's lots to do, 'doing nothing' might feel like a terrible idea, but consider it an investment in your well-being—and your business. Taking regular breaks can replenish our energy and improve our decision making, making us more productive and more creative.
According to Dr. Sherry Walling, a clinical psychologist and mental health advocate, burnout results from overactivating the same neural pathways over and over again. The next time you feel stuck, instead of doubling down on effort, try stepping away instead. Engaging in activities that stimulate different aspects of your brain might just be what you need. How To Encourage Your Staff To Prioritize Work-Life Balance
A January 2025 Randstad study found that work-life balance had surpassed pay among survey respondents as the main motivator to look for or stay at a job. According to a Qualtrics report, 63% of surveyed employees said they were more willing to go the extra mile when they had a good work-life balance.
How can you help your own staff members work toward a more harmonious relationship between work and life at home? Being Flexible And Creating An Atmosphere Of Trust
Start by focusing on productivity rather than hours worked (whenever the nature of the business allows for it, of course). If the job gets done, does it matter if your employee left early to pick up their kid from school? It does, actually—they'll be happier and healthier, and they'll repay the trust with their loyalty and dedication. Asking For Feedback And Reviewing Workloads
Regularly check in with your employees to openly discuss their workload and their general satisfaction at work. You can consider anonymous questionnaires in addition to one-on-one meetings to give everyone the chance to openly share their thoughts. Leading By Example
If you're a parent, you know the importance of modeling the behavior you'd like to see in others. If you want to encourage your employees to look after their well-being, let them see you do the same. Setting and respecting your own boundaries will create a safe space where they'll feel encouraged to do the same. Conclusion
Not all staff members and small businesses have the same needs. Juggling work, family and everything in between rarely reflects reality. Passion doesn't prevent burnout; set boundaries, limit distractions and embrace rest. Create a working environment where people aren't afraid to speak up when they may be experiencing issues or challenges at work. Embracing flexibility is critical to getting the best out of your team and giving your business the best opportunity to thrive.
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