Running a small or medium sized business in New Zealand is not easy. Owners and managers can feel a heavy burden of meeting all the needs of customers, staff, suppliers, paying bills on time with multiple roles and responsibilities. Furthermore, the stress can easily become long term which means we must take extra care to implement work life balance. Work life balance allows us to regain control and retain focus. Here are some strategies tailored for busy owners and managers:

1. Prioritise and Delegate

  • Set clear priorities and identify what tasks are most important to your business and personal life.
  • Be sure to delegate effectively. We can build more trust in our teams by managing and growing their levels of responsibility.  When this is not viable, consider hiring skilled staff or outsource tasks like accounting, marketing, or admin work.

2. Time Management

  • Adopt a schedule to organize your day. Use tools like online calendars or project management apps as needed.
  • Set yourself clear and manageable boundaries. Make sure you have specific working hours and stick to them. Avoid letting work spill into personal time unless absolutely necessary.
  • Allocate blocks of time for focused work, family, and relaxation to ensure balance.

3. Embrace Technology

  • New technology and emerging AI now allow us to automate repetitive tasks using tools like email marketing platforms, chatbots, or inventory management software. 
  • Leverage digital communication tools (e.g., Zoom, Slack) to stay connected without being overburdened.
  • Make sure that you drive the technology and don’t get sidetracked into time wasting.

4. Learn to Say No

  • Not all opportunities or projects are worth pursuing. Assess how each aligns with your goals before committing.

5. Build a Strong Team

  • Cultivate a capable team that shares your vision and can operate effectively even when you’re not around.
  • Empower employees to take initiative, reducing your day-to-day involvement in operational tasks. Focus more “on” the business.

6. Take Care of Your Health

  • Exercise regularly! Even 30 minutes a day can improve energy and focus.
  • Eat healthily! Fuel your body with balanced meals to sustain long workdays.
  • Sleep well! Prioritise rest to maintain productivity and decision-making ability.

7. Schedule Personal Time

  • Plan get aways, hobbies, or family activities in advance. Treat these as non-negotiable appointments.
  • Make time for mindfulness practices like meditation to reduce stress.

8. Seek Support

  • Join local business networking groups where you can share experiences and gain insights on balancing work and life.
  • Consider hiring a business coach/advisor to help manage workload and set realistic goals.

9. Regularly Evaluate

  • Periodically reflect on what’s working and what’s not. Adjust your routines and strategies to stay aligned with your goals.

10. Stay Flexible

  • Accept that balance doesn’t mean perfection. Some weeks might be more work-heavy, while others lean toward personal time. The key is maintaining overall equilibrium.

By being intentional about their time and boundaries, business owners can enjoy a fulfilling personal life while successfully managing their businesses. Sure, it is a big responsibility to own and manage a business but that does not mean that we must be stressed and exhausted. A solid work life balance means peace of mind for both the business and the business owner. For more advice on how to achieve a work life balance, contact your local Advantage Business Advisor.

 

work life balance