As we celebrate International Women's Day, on March 8, it's an opportunity to reflect on the pivotal role women play in various spheres of life, including the professional realm. The United Nations has designated this year's theme as ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’ with a focus on addressing economic disempowerment, while the campaign theme for this year is ‘Inspire Inclusion.’
In this regard, one significant aspect deserving attention is achieving work-life balance, a crucial factor in fostering the empowerment of women.
Importance Of Work-Life Balance:
Women today find themselves navigating a complex web of responsibilities, juggling careers, family, and personal pursuits. The modern workplace, while evolving, can still be demanding and. Striking a balance between professional aspirations and personal life has become an intricate dance that requires careful choreography.
Vibha Singh, who is the Country Head of ETML Singapore said, "Achieving work-life balance is an art of constant adaptation. Prioritizing self-care and embracing flexibility are key in navigating the dynamic demands of both the professional and personal spheres. Whether it's dedicating time to yoga, gardening, or simply enjoying moments with loved ones, finding joy amidst the hustle is essential."
On this International Women's Day, let's emphasise the importance of self-care and personal development for women. Encouraging women to prioritise their mental and physical health, pursue hobbies, and invest in continuous learning can significantly contribute to a more fulfilling and balanced life. When women are nurtured holistically, they bring their best selves to both their personal and professional domains.
Talking about self-care, Shruthi Jain, Founder of YoniTara Birth - an online yoga & wellness studio focusing on women’s health said, “Ensuring one's personal well-being is of utmost importance, whether it is via yoga, running marathons, or just taking moments of mindfulness throughout the day. Setting limits and managing your time well are other essential tactics for maintaining equilibrium. Working women can make room for both personal and professional fulfillment by learning to say no to non-essential obligations, setting reasonable goals, and delegating chores when needed.”
“The power of delegation and seeking support cannot be understated and establishing a dependable support system, whether through child care assistance or redistributing tasks at work, has been indispensable. It's about embracing the realization that I don't have to bear the weight of everything alone, and that's perfectly alright. So, navigating this balancing act has truly been a fusion of these strategies. It's undeniably challenging at times, but with the right mindset and support system in place, it's not only manageable but also immensely rewarding.” added Bindiya Vohra- Director, Co-Founder & Director- Digital Solutions ThoughtSol Infotech Pvt Ltd
Tips To Create A Work-Life Balance:
Finding the right work-life balance is fundamental for ensuring a robust relationship between one’s personal life and professional commitments – without compromising your energy and your relations. Here are some tips shared by Asha Pati, Founder of Banjara Kasuti
- Time management remains the key to striking a stable work-life balance
- While the ‘work from anywhere’ concept is intriguing and convenient in nature, one often finds oneself entangled in balancing both work and personal life – causing a detrimental impact on one’s productivity.
- Hence, it is important to segregate dedicated work hours from personal hours, particularly when working remotely.
- In this regard, setting clear boundaries continues to be imperative, in order to avoid frequent burnout.
- Moving on, open communication is fundamental in sustaining a work-life balance for women, in particular: delegation and cooperation among both family members (in terms of household responsibilities) and at work enable a supportive environment, providing an impetus for maximized productivity
Lastly, Niharika Nigam, Director Business Development - Jumpin Heights advised working women to prioritise self-care, create boundaries, and enjoy their passions.
"Keep in mind that finding balance is a continuous process, and it's acceptable to reevaluate and rearrange priorities as necessary. In the end, achieving balance between our personal and professional lives gives us the ability to succeed in both," she added.