Work-Life Integration: My New Work-Life Balance

Dr. Harrison finds time for personal priorities, like training for sporting events

The concept of a work-life balance, setting boundaries and separate times for professional and personal lives, works well for many people and lifestyles.

As a healthcare executive, the needs of my business are 24/7, particularly in the age of greater mobile connectivity, and, frankly, my personal and professional lives don’t fit into neat little boxes. I find that work-life integration is both more manageable and allows me to better serve both my personal and professional commitments.

Here are three tips to consider for work-life integration:

• Have Conversations at Home & Work – I’ll be the first to admit that integrating my work and personal life has been possible because of the support I receive from the people around me, both at work and at home. It is important to have conversations with your colleagues and family to understand what they need from you and then adapt a schedule that integrates their needs (and yours) in your day the best you can.

My wife and I are both physicians and passionate about what we do. We also place great priority and value on our family and the time we spend together. When we looked realistically at the demands of our careers in medicine, we have agreed as a family that we shouldn’t sacrifice our quality of work nor family time together, so my wife chose to work part-time, which allows us greater flexibility and presence for our children and each other, while also giving her the professional fulfillment that she enjoys.

• Live Outside the Box – Having a demanding job doesn’t mean you can’t set aside time for yourself. There are ways to incorporate the activities you enjoy in your busy schedule which will make your work and personal life more rewarding.

For example, given the nature of my work, I spend some late nights at the office, although, I’m also a triathlete and keeping up with my training is important. On days when I need to work late, I’ll leave the office around the close of business hours, go for a swim at a nearby gym, and return to the office to finish up my work. I’ve found the time I spend on a swim restores my energy and focus, which allows me to be more productive at work.

• Be Flexible with Evolving Priorities – Depending on the times of need within your business and personal life, priorities change over time and can even vary day by day, month by month. It is important that you’re flexible and open to shuffling them around to meet the expectations of those around you as well as achieving your goals. I find that some days – or even weeks – are more about work and others are more about my personal life.

There is no set formula that fits everyone when it comes to managing busy schedules and demanding lifestyles. Some may find that creating a clear distinction between their work and personal life makes more sense for them. For those like me, I believe integrating work moments with personal moments helps me enjoy both without focusing on one at the expense of the other.