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Is your work-life balance in crisis?
Events diary WEDNESDAY, JULY 25
Karen Degen is the owner of Set Free with EFT, a company that focuses on changing mindsets to create business success Email: karen@setfree.co.nz or visit www.setfree.co.nz
A government study on work-life balance in New Zealand noted that most people got so caught up in the day-to-day details of living their life got out of balance without them realising it. It found that most people would not seriously address work-life imbalance issues until they were in a crisis situation.
1. Learning to put yourself first
The study noted that most employees felt some reticence raising work-life balance issues with their employer, because New Zealanders have a natural reserve and pride with regard to discussing personal issues. Therefore, by the time stress is reported, the situation is already critical.
Those who don’t generally put themselves first often have the added problem of being unable to say “no”. Because of this they will take on more and more workload, whether in their employment or in their personal life. They may feel resentful of this and may feel that they are being manipulated by others, but in actual fact it’s usually an inability to set appropriate boundaries, and to enforce them.
Under New Zealand law, employers have an obligation to prevent excessive stress that could cause harm. Prudent employers have work-life balance initiatives permanently in place. Employees are not the only ones to benefit from these initiatives. The 2003 NZ Dept of Labour study titled ‘Perceptions and Attitudes Towards Work-Life Balance in New Zealand’ identified the key benefits to employers of implementation of work-life balance initiatives as:
Those who are the most stressed tend to be givers personality wise, and always putting others before themselves. In times of stress it’s essential to put yourself first and stop doing so much for other people. Unfortunately this type of person will have had a lifetime of being like this and it can be challenging to change without help. Professionals will look at the subconscious drivers for this behaviour. Those who are under stress and don’t make this important life change may get worse. 2. Learn to say “no”
3. Ensure there is something you love or are passionate about in your life What enjoyment, fun, passion or interest do you have in your life? People who are stressed and trying to simplify their lives often make the mistake of dropping out their hobbies or interests. These are a vital part of our life and time must be made for these. Cut back somewhere else but don’t cut back on that which gives you pleasure. 4. Ensure you have ‘you’ time
• Retention of quality staff
• Happier workplaces
It’s vital to have time for yourself. Whether you want to spend that time getting exercise, relaxing and doing nothing, or treating yourself to something nice it’s essential for a well balanced life.
• More motivated staff
5. Add meaning to your life
• A closer relationship between staff and management.
An essential part of life is feeling that we are making a difference in the world, even if in a small way. We need to have meaning. Ask yourself what difference you make and if you can’t find an answer, look to add one. Do a little charity work, or contribute a little to your community, or just do something that makes you feel good about yourself.
• Being able to attract quality staff • Higher productivity
Among other lifestyle changes, a professional will assist in modifying the following behaviours necessary for work-life balance.
Effective Writing Skills – Auckland Chamber of Commerce Writing clearly, effectively and being able to communicate to a variety of audiences has significant benefits. Develop your writing ability for a variety of purposes at the Effective Writing Skills workshop. You’ll learn how to engage your audience, create action through accurate communication, and relay complex information to achieve results. For more information visit www.aucklandchamber.co.nz
THURSDAY, JULY 26 Art of Delegation – Auckland Chamber of Commerce Good delegation is a powerful management skill that can help you inspire, motivate and uncover hidden talents in your team. It can also give you time to focus on the future growth and direction of your business. On this course you’ll learn the different levels of delegation, how to empower people with responsibility, how to delegate effectively and build trust in your team. For more information visit www.aucklandchamber.co.nz
What’s happening on the business and entertainment front
with confidence. For more information visit www.manukau.ac.nz
THURSDAY, AUGUST 9 Strategic Planning For Success – Auckland Chamber of Commerce This course provides you with the opportunity and skills to plot your business’ path to success. Learn how to effectively plan your business strategy, as well as training yourself to identify business opportunities. This workshop will help you look to the future and effectively plan your strategy. For more information visit www.aucklandchamber.co.nz
TUESDAY, AUGUST 21 & 28 Successful Negotiation Skills (2 half days) – Auckland Chamber of Commerce A skilled negotiator has an edge over the competition. Conducting a successful negotiation is by no means a simple task, but by knowing the successful ways to open, conduct and close a negotiation, you are much more likely to secure a beneficial outcome for your business. For more information visit www.aucklandchamber.co.nz
THURSDAY, JULY 26 American to the Core – Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra
MONDAY, AUGUST 27 AND SEPTEMBER 3
A concert that displays the excitement, variety and emotion of 20th century American music with Ragna Schirmer, hailed as one of the most extraordinary pianists of her generation, performing Gershwin’s Piano Concerto.
Professional Sales Skills (2 half days) – Auckland Chamber of Commerce
From its percussive opening, bold brassy lines and jazzy and haunting piano – this concerto is Gershwin and America to the core. For more information visit www.apo.co.nz
How much of your business success hangs on your selling techniques? Whether you are a sales professional in search of even better results or would simply like to build your skills for business effectiveness, this course provides strategies and techniques that will improve your performance and inject confidence into your pitch. For more information visit www.aucklandchamber.co.nz
WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY, AUGUST 1 - 2
THURSDAY, AUGUST 30
Effective Persuasion and Influence – Manukau Institute of Technology
Chen plays Brahms – Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra
Persuasion and influence are important communication skills in the business arena. In this hands-on two-day course you’ll learn to bring these effective tools to bear in your own work situation. Learn about influencing styles and persuasion techniques, understand the character traits of persuasive people, and come away better able to negotiate and manage relationships
John Chen returns to perform Brahms’s first major orchestral work, a tribute to the composer’s mentor Robert Schumann. Sibelius’s dramatic fifth symphony has a sense of grandeur and depth of feeling that will move and transport you to the Nordic wilds of Finland. Conducted by Radoslaw Szulc. For more information visit www.apo.co.nz
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