Yvonne Sorensen recently wrote a blog for Friends in Business on
work-life balance for entrepreneurs
As an entrepreneur and lawyer, I have the privilege of supporting many business owners. Every entrepreneur who runs a business with enjoyment and success knows the question: “Are you actually taking good care of yourself?” The real question is how you “take care of yourself”, and how you find the time for it. I always nod and smile politely whenever someone asks me this, but like many other entrepreneurs, I find it hard to actually put self-care into practice. After all, you are already busy with your day-to-day work (in my case, employment law). On top of that come all the related matters: maintaining client relationships, HR policy and management, invoicing, credit control and acquisition – in short, running the whole office.
On top of that, entrepreneurs also have a private life – with or without a family and children, friends and/or a (large) extended family. Add to that the various side roles many of us take on for the public good, and, more often than not, participation in networking activities as well.
In short: entrepreneurs know better than anyone the challenges that come with finding a good balance between work and private life. It is clear that this balance is essential for wellbeing and success, both personally and professionally.
Having a good work-life balance is important not only for your own health and wellbeing, but also for the wellbeing of your business and your team. Research shows that a good balance leads to higher productivity, through greater creativity and more satisfaction in the workplace.
Employers have a legal responsibility to protect the health and wellbeing of their employees. This includes ensuring reasonable working hours, preventing overwork, and offering a working environment that supports a healthy work-life balance. By protecting yourself and your team against burnout and overwork, you not only avoid legal problems, but also foster a positive and productive working culture.
To manage all of this, body and mind need to be in excellent condition – hence the weekly trips to the gym, social clubs and sports clubs. A good dose of humour also helps put all the busyness into perspective. For mental balance, yoga is one option, or long walks on the beach or in the woods. The latter combines nicely with visiting, or being visited by, family and friends.
I have found for myself that spending time in nature (woods, beach or mountains) is wonderfully calming. You quickly feel refreshed, clear-headed and ready to take on the world again. For a number of years now, I have had a tiny house on the beach at Hoek van Holland. It is lovely to set off on long walks from there, or simply to gaze out over the sea with a drink in hand as the sun goes down.
Keeping up good relationships with acquaintances and contacts from the business world through Friends in Business activities is also an excellent way to enjoy good company and unwind, while maintaining those contacts at the same time.
A call to be mindful
Of course, I understand the temptation to lose yourself completely in your work. After all, it is the very passion and dedication that got us where we are today. But let’s be honest: sometimes we forget to pause, take a breath, and enjoy life outside the office walls.
I encourage you to take the time to reflect on your work-life balance and take active steps to improve it. Alongside good business, I wish you all the relaxation you need!
You can read the original article on Friends in Business here (in Dutch).
