What do you do if your work-life balance is suffering as an IT outsourcing professional?
If you are an IT outsourcing professional, you might face some challenges in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Working remotely, managing multiple projects, and dealing with different time zones and cultures can take a toll on your well-being and productivity. In this article, we will share some tips on how to cope with these issues and achieve a better balance between your work and personal life.
One of the first steps to improve your work-life balance is to set clear boundaries between your work and personal time. This means defining your working hours, communicating them to your clients and colleagues, and sticking to them as much as possible. You should also avoid checking your work emails or messages outside of your work time, unless it is an emergency. Setting boundaries will help you avoid burnout, reduce stress, and respect your own needs and preferences.
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Deep Bhau
Driving Digital Transformations in Indonesia with Hybrid Cloud and Generative AI | Global IT Consulting Leader and Mentor with 25 Years Experience | VP & Senior Partner IBM Consulting
I have been a workaholic my entire life and paid a big price for it. My disc between L5 and S1 was degenerated as a result of excessive sitting and had to go through lower back operation last year after suffering for last 10 days. Below are the top 3 things which I should have done better and trying to implement now 1. Clearly define your working hours, Make it known when you are available and when you are not available. 2. Learn to Say NO - Be realistic and don't over commit. Say No to your clients and even bosses if they are expecting outside your working hours. 3. Prioritize your health - 1 hour of daily exercise will help.
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Aiman W.
Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist | LinkedIn Top Voice, ECBA, SHRM-CP
In the Outsourcing business you can create work life balance, make room for your self, go walk, train, and run. In the end this job requires thick skin and persistence. Remember you are not helping yourself by keeping your performance high to keep your job. You are helping people to get a job, so you are dealing with vulnerable and people who needs you. Make it about the experience and make it about them not yourself. Uninstall Apps you work on from your phone, disconnect on the weekend, make yourself available when you truly can give back and just because it is a routine to your life.
Another important tip is to manage your workload effectively and realistically. You should prioritize your tasks according to their urgency and importance, and avoid taking on more work than you can handle. You should also communicate your progress and expectations with your clients and colleagues, and ask for help or feedback when needed. Managing your workload will help you avoid overcommitment, meet your deadlines, and deliver quality work.
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Aiman W.
Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist | LinkedIn Top Voice, ECBA, SHRM-CP
Wake up early, try automating some repetitive tasks, prioritize your tasks, job and responses with communication. Always keep your managers informed, don't assume they know what you do and make them feel confident of your abilities and assessment. Go beyond your job and try to be innovative and think outside the box to stay relevant and worthy. Remember if you don't like what you do the above is irrelevant to you.
A third tip is to optimize your environment to suit your work style and preferences. You should choose a comfortable and ergonomic workspace, with adequate lighting, ventilation, and equipment. You should also minimize distractions, such as noise, clutter, or notifications, and create a routine that helps you stay focused and motivated. Optimizing your environment will help you enhance your productivity, creativity, and comfort.
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Aiman W.
Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist | LinkedIn Top Voice, ECBA, SHRM-CP
My room has sunlight almost 12 hours per day, i grow plants inside and have a pet, my kids are allowed around me and i don't mind answering the call when i am at the park or picking the kids. Distraction is not good while you are focusing but when you are doing repetitive tasks or you mastered some processes and can do it without even looking, a simple change in your environment like background music can boost your energy.
A fourth tip is to take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. You should make sure you get enough sleep, exercise, and nutrition, and avoid unhealthy habits, such as smoking, drinking, or binge-watching. You should also practice some self-care activities, such as meditation, hobbies, or socializing, and seek professional help if you experience any signs of depression, anxiety, or burnout. Taking care of yourself will help you boost your energy, mood, and resilience.
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Aiman W.
Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist | LinkedIn Top Voice, ECBA, SHRM-CP
Always and forever. Taking care of your brain, your body and your surrounding will take care of you when you grow older. Eat healthy, stay connected, build meaningful relationship, get involved in useful and happy conversation, open your mind and don't forget your community work and volunteer. I do 2 months at the end of each year volunteering at the senior homes, have i gained any outcome ? No have i benefited financially from ? No but i have build so much friends, so many blessings and am so happy internally from doing so for the past 4 years.
A fifth tip is to learn new skills that can help you improve your work-life balance and your career prospects. You should invest in your professional development, by taking online courses, reading books, or attending webinars, and acquire new knowledge and competencies that can enhance your performance and marketability. You should also learn some soft skills, such as communication, negotiation, or time management, that can help you deal with various work situations and challenges. Learning new skills will help you grow as a professional and as a person.
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Aiman W.
Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist | LinkedIn Top Voice, ECBA, SHRM-CP
I always say the most phrase that always makes new situation easy for me is the following " Learn how to feel conformable in an uncomfortable situation ", live your life to the fullest and try new things, you never know what superpower you have that might be hidden 😊
A sixth tip is to seek support from others who can understand and help you with your work-life balance issues. You should network with other IT outsourcing professionals, by joining online communities, forums, or groups, and exchange tips, experiences, or opportunities. You should also reach out to your friends, family, or mentors, and share your feelings, concerns, or achievements. Seeking support will help you feel less isolated, more connected, and more confident.
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