As one of the co-founders of Charles Square, a leading global IT services provider based in London, I’ve spent over two decades in the financial services industry and have seen the impact that long hours and demanding work can have on one’s personal life. The tremendous rewards that working in this demanding sector offers come with their own unique set of challenges, one being limited time. Over the years, finding a perfect balance between time spent growing my career and business and taking time to appreciate my family and personal interests has become increasingly important. Time flies.
Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love and, for me, it’s a reminder of the importance of making time for my loved ones. Whether it’s spending time with a spouse, partner, children, or friends, it’s crucial that we create a balance between our work and personal lives. As an experienced finance professional, you know better than anyone the demands of the job and the importance of finding ways to stay organised, focused, and productive. Here are some practical ways that I’ve personally found useful to ensuring that I maintain a mostly successful work-life balance:
1. Prioritise your time
As a senior manager or fund manager, you have a lot of responsibilities, and it can be easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day tasks. To avoid this, make a list of your priorities and focus on completing the most important tasks first. Drawing up an action plan helps ensure that you’re investing your energy into those responsibilities with maximum impact enabling you to maximise success through mindful decision-making.
2. Set boundaries
Ensuring balance is crucial to your wellbeing. Make sure that you are prioritising moments for yourself and those close to you. Set up boundaries between work and home, like turning off notifications; cutting the cord from technology during certain hours; or only checking emails at specific times when you’re not in the office. Boundaries will make it easier for you to be more productive inside and emotionally available outside of the office walls.
3. Make time for self-care
Investing in yourself is essential for your success. Life can be very stressful and it’s important to make time to rest, recharge and practice self-care. Consider incorporating activities that you enjoy into your day, like reading a book; playing a sport; taking a walk in nature (or just around the block); a casual SUP up the Thames, or unwinding with yoga. Making the right time towards personal well-being will support both your physical and mental health while increasing your productivity.
4. Communication is key
Good communication is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Talk to your loved ones about your work schedule and let them know when you’ll be available. This will help you to avoid scheduling conflicts and ensure that you’re spending time with the people who matter most.
5. Delegate and outsource
One of the biggest challenges for senior management and c-suite individuals is finding enough time to get everything done. To combat this, consider delegating some tasks to others or outsourcing certain functions to a trusted solutions provider. This will free up time for you to focus on the most important tasks and make time for your personal life.
The fast-paced, high-stakes world of finance can be all-consuming, but taking the time to strike a balance between work and personal life is essential for both our own happiness and our effectiveness at work. By implementing these tips, setting boundaries, and being intentional about how we spend our time, we can create a more fulfilling work-life balance that allows us to, not only, excel professionally, but also to have time for our loved ones and to pursue our passions.
At Charles Square, we understand the importance of this balance and we focus on helping our clients achieve it by providing them with top-notch offerings and solutions that save them time and allow them to focus on what truly matters. Our solutions and services are designed to be simple and effective, so that our clients can rest easy knowing that their IT needs are taken care of, freeing them up to enjoy time with their loved ones and pursue other interests outside of work.
In short, if you’re looking for a partner that can help you achieve the work-life balance you deserve, look no further than Charles Square. Whether you’re a senior manager or a C-suite executive, our team of experts is here to help you succeed, both in the office and beyond. So why not take that first step today, and let us help you build a brighter, happier, and more fulfilling future? Happy Valentine’s Day!
