Workplace values, like balance, are an essential aspect of any work environment. Whether you work from home or need to be in an office, employees need to adhere to certain unspoken standards of work ethics.
In other words, workplace values can be considered as a set of guiding principles that will help to shape the way you and your colleagues work together. When specific values are shared to be expected in order to work together in a professional setting, fewer misunderstandings will occur.
A happier, more cohesive and understanding environment will grow out of such a nurturing environment. And that’s got to be a win-win situation for everyone.
With all that being said, what are some of these workplace values that can help to improve the overall quality of your work environment?
In this article, you will be able to find out more about the workplace value of balance and 3 ways you can practice balance at your office.
What is balance?
Sure, you and I know what the term generally asks of anyone in a social setting. However, what exactly does it mean?
According to Lexico.com, balance refers to “a situation in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions”. It can also refer to “mental or emotional stability”.
When placed into the context of a working environment, balance can take on many forms at the workplace. As with any workplace value, we use balance as a guiding principle to help us make better decisions as a colleague, and more importantly, as an individual.
How then we can apply it at the workplace? Read on to find out 🙂
How to practice balance at the office?
Practicing the workplace value of balance at the office doesn’t actually call for much effort! Meaning to say, that it does not need to be big or outlandish gestures.
We practice balance through the simple, and daily acts of our everyday lifestyle. As such, here are 3 steps you can take to start practicing balance within your own office space.
Establish good workplace relations
Establishing good workplace relations is one of the first steps you can take to practice balance at the workplace.
In order for employees to work together cohesively, it is important that co-workers entrust each other. They should be able to rely on one another in times of need too. When it comes to developing balance at the workplace, good co-worker relations are especially important.
As such, employees will need to find a good balance between a professional relationship as well as that of a good-natured friendship with their colleagues. Too much professionalism can hinder your approachability. Likewise, being too friendly can result in one to be taken for granted.
Finding the right balance is key to maintaining healthy workplace relations. We know ourselves the best. Create a distinction between your personal and professional relations. Identify your boundaries, personal space and social circle.
And so, establishing good workplace relations is one way to practice the workplace value of balance!
Set limits for work related matters
One can practice balance at the workplace simply by setting specific limits for work related matters.
At work, each employee is assigned to a set of responsibilities, tasks, and projects. As such, we all have one or another item to take ownership for. With that being said, it is crucial that one identifies his or her limits when at the office.
If you have already met your working hours for the day, but still have pending work, speak to your superior regarding an extension. You may find the need to temporarily work a couple of extra hours to get the work done. However, make sure that it does not become a routine pattern.
Set your limits for work related matters by adhering to workplace rules and regulations set out by your company and the law. This will help to ensure that you don’t face a burnout. It will also prevent you from being taken granted for.
On your leave but getting contacted for work? Speak to the relevant staff regarding going offline or wishing to take a break from work. Put in requests to only be contacted for matters of urgency.
Thus, emphasising and setting limits for work related matters is one way to practice the workplace value of balance!
Implement a workplace vision collectively
The third, but perhaps, the most effective way you can practise the workplace value of balance is by implementing out a workplace vision collectively.
Oftentimes, individuals work hard at the office without understanding the big picture. They do assigned tasks and call it a day afterwards. In such cases, striking a balance between one’s personal and organisational goals can be difficult.
As such, it is important that employers and leaders at work sit down with their co-workers to implement a workplace vision collectively. This will help everyone get a better idea as to what they are all working towards.
The lack of a proper vision will result in individuals to be reliant on their superiors whenever they find themselves in doubt. Not a helpful strategy to build up balance at all.
Instead, take the initiative to implement clear visions. Encourage your colleagues to step back and look at the whole picture. They’d be practicing the workplace value of balance in no time!
What's next?
And there you have it – a piece on an absolutely critical workplace value of balance. We hope the information in this article has helped you get a clearer idea of how you can better practice balance at the workplace.
Instilling workplace values, like the above, at your office can rake in numerous benefits for every employee. Remember, a little effort can go a long way to ensure a happy and successful workplace for everyone!
Keep a lookout for other workplace values we will be discussing as part of this series soon! Searching for a new workplace that practices these workplace values? On the hunt for a new job?
If you’re on the lookout for jobs within other industries that are nonetheless located in Singapore, here’s an article that shares with you the top 19 job portals in Singapore.
No matter the industry or the position, remember to visit GrabJobs to find a job opportunity in Singapore easily!
