Work-life balance is probably one of the most frequently used terms in today’s professional workplace.  And for good reason! We all desire it.

If work/life balance is so coveted and a goal that ‘sounds’ attainable, why does it feel elusive?

With remote work now the norm, the flexible work dynamic that executive and personal assistants were dreaming of was unexpectedly made possible due to the pandemic. Suddenly, the idea that we could finally ‘balance’ work and life was loaded with promise because we were closer to our ‘life’ by working from home.   

But, the reality has been less than ideal.  In fact, the invisible boundaries that separate life from work have become non-existent. We find that balancing work and life is quite the impossible challenge.  And yes, there is nothing that an executive and personal assistant cannot do which is why you must read on.

When pulled both ways, endeavouring to give your best to your employer and yourself and home commitments, this balancing act feels almost impossible to achieve. But it doesn’t have to be, and here’s why.

Balance isn’t a responsibility to achieve solely on our own.

The notion that to maintain the optimum balance between your career, your family and friends and your well-being rests solely on your shoulders is unrealistic and unsustainable.

For a healthy work-life balance, you need collaboration and support from all your life’s stakeholders, including your family, your partner, and your colleagues at work, and give yourself ‘me time’ for your mental and physical health.

We can not attain balance single-handedly; it takes effort from your village of support.

But how can we begin to make this possible? 

Communication is key

When it comes to striking a balance at work and home, communication is vital. Being open about your needs and challenges, whether at work or with your family, requires you to clearly communicate when you need support.  As much as you’re known for your super EA powers, communicating your real challenges will bring about more understanding of your commitments and clarity around expectations (from all sides). 

With a focus on collaboration and communication, the scales start to even out, bringing balance closer to your life.

Your work and home teams can only help you if they are aware of your struggles and challenges. 

And then, there are the boundaries. 

Disappointment is unmet expectations, and the more significant the expectation, the more significant the disappointment. Author, Brene Brown

People around you may sometimes have unrealistic expectations of you, and that is entirely normal. As a power EA, of course, wanting to go above and beyond every time is the norm!  But is this sustainable? (Even if you have a solid track record!) Are you unwittingly setting yourself up to live up to unrealistic expectations as people are bound to think that you are capable of managing it all without help, ever? 

That is where clear communication becomes key. When you communicate your boundaries, people will know what and how much to expect from you. You narrow the scope for dissatisfaction or disappointment in your personal or professional relationships.

Support your village

Remember that just as you need support and collaboration to maintain a work-life balance, the other people in your life need the same from you. Be open to help them when they need it as well.

Organisations today are much more flexible and accommodating when it to comes to employees’ needs because employers understand the complexities of life as we now know it.  For this reason, work-life balance requires mutual understanding and respect for one another, be it at work or home.

On the work front, think of your EA or PA cohort - who better to understand your challenges than those who are juggling in the same way.

We all have our commitments on both the personal and professional fronts. Effective and open communication makes creating an environment of collaboration where everyone looks out for one another possible. A little teamwork is all it takes to strike that (close to) perfect balance.