Working in the construction industry is particularly tough. It demands long hours and weekend work and negatively affects employees’ personal lives.
A survey of construction industry employees revealed that the average number of hours worked each week was 62.5 among site-based project staff, 56.1 among office-based project staff, and 49.0 among head or regional office staff (Lingard and Francis 2004).
CareerOne has found that over 80% of Australian people are finding it more challenging keeping the balance between work and family. For project-based workers they are reported to suffer from significantly higher levels of work-family conflict and burnout. That is why establishing work-life balance is essential to promote wellness and mental health to drive positive results across all fields.
With over 10 years recruitment experience in construction, we know what it takes to be a high performer in this field. Maintaining a balance is hard in construction however we have developed the top work-life balance strategies that will help you, your family and work life.
1. Consistent daily routine
The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. – Lao Tzu
Implementing a daily routine will help you to achieve the work-life balance you want. For example, you can start with setting new habits do not wait for Monday to start implementing. You can start with such small habits as sleeping for 7 hours, getting outside daily and taking time to work out. All these small things will help you in achieving mental health, emotional capacity and better relationships to live a better, happier and healthier life.
2. Determine your priorities
The key is not to prioritize what is on our schedule, but to schedule your priorities. – Stephen Covey
Set your priorities. Start with asking yourself a question – if I could focus on one thing in my life, what would it be? That answer is your number one priority. What would you focus on second, third and fourth? If you know your priorities and what is important, you can easily plan your time to live a better life.
3. Being present in your home life
I believe that being successful means having a balance of success stories across the many areas of your life. You can't truly be considered successful in your business life if your home life is in shambles. - Zig Ziglar
Work is seeping into our home lives and it’s ok as long as you have boundaries. Only accept certain calls, don’t check your emails after a certain time and change gears when you walk in the door.
What do we mean about changing gears? Switch from the construction language/banter and change into your family affection, loving self. Changing out of your uniform or work clothes into everyday clothes can help you identify and make this switch.
4. Make use of your RDO’s and Time in Lieu
Can you book a night away with your loved one? Or why not book a night away and hit the surf early, skate park, boot camp, or boxing ring. Whatever it is you love to do outside of work factor this in on your RDO.
If you are active and like keeping fit why not check out a new gym, master a new routine, sign up for a triathlon, do something that will keep you focused in your personal life and switching off from your work life.
If you like to be surrounded by family and friends why not organise a BBQ, picnic, long lunch at a pub. Catch up with friends and family you haven’t seen in a while.
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