A recent study of five-year census data (from 2017) reveals that the working patterns of Pennsylvania men and women are in stark contrast, with women upping their work hours by 15.6 hours per year while men seem to be cutting back by 20.8 hours. This trend is mirrored at a national level: compared to their male counterparts, American women are adding more hours to their working week, increasing from 40.5 to 48.5 per week on average since 2017. Men’s numbers, however, have decreased from 46.2 to 32.2 hours of work each week over this same time span.
Pennsylvania women are working more hours than ever before, and COVID-19 is a major factor driving the change. The pandemic has brought about widespread changes to everyday work, including the widespread adoption of work-from-home or hybrid models that make it easier for Pennsylvania women — particularly mothers — to balance their job with family time. Since they spend less time commuting, Pennsylvania women are able to maximize their work efforts while still getting much needed family time. As a result, Pennsylvania women’s total hours worked have seen substantial increases. It is clear that in Pennsylvania especially, the impact of COVID-19 on changes to our daily lives extends far beyond just reducing physical contact.
Take Control of Your Work-Life Balance
Pennsylvania women are particularly impacted by the lack of vacation allowance in the United States; 76% of women, who responded to a separate survey by Mixbook, want more days off. With only 10 annual allotted vacation days compared to the world average of 20, workers are making an effort to try and close the gap between their work-life balance. The same survey found that if they were given more vacation days to reach the world average, then half believe they should receive back pay for their 10 day shortage. This issue would amount to roughly $5,775 without payment for the average employee over this past year.
According to experts, maintaining a balance between work and leisure activities can help reduce stress levels and prevent burnout. “Taking time to be creative, engage in hobbies or leisure activities outside of work can help us recharge and reset, and allow us to return to work with renewed energy and focus,” says Kim Colucci, Culture and Growth Director at Mixbook.
What Is Work-Life Balance?
Work-life balance is an important concept in maintaining both professional success and personal well-being. It concerns the notion of striking a healthy equilibrium between obligations such as work, family responsibilities, or education and leisure activities. Having enough time for all these areas of our lives can often feel like an insurmountable challenge, especially in today’s fast-paced era.
With that said, achieving a work-life balance has significant rewards; it not only leads to improved focus, decision making and mental clarity, but it also strengthens the bonds with important people in our lives including family, friends and colleagues. In order to remain productive while remaining balanced, it is important to make conscious decisions to take breaks and prioritize activities that we enjoy. This conscious effort contributes greatly towards leading a fulfilling life – both professionally and personally.
10 Tips for Better Work-Life Balance for Pennsylvania Women
Women in Pennsylvania are juggling so many roles and responsibilities, from taking care of families to excelling at work. This can lead to stress, burnout, and a lack of balance in women’s lives. Achieving a healthy work-life balance is essential for well-being and success. Here are 10 tips to help you create a better equilibrium between your work and personal life.
1. Establish Clear Boundaries:
One of the most important things you can do to improve your work-life balance is to establish clear boundaries between your work and personal life. Set specific working hours, avoid checking work emails after hours, and prioritize your personal time. Communicate these boundaries clearly to your colleagues and family, and stick to them as much as possible.
2. Make Your Time Count:
We all have the same 24 hours in a day, but it’s how we use those hours that makes all the difference. To make the most of your time, prioritize your tasks and focus on the most important ones first. Eliminate distractions and avoid multitasking as much as possible, as it can reduce your effectiveness and increase stress.
3. Make Concrete Commitments:
Making concrete commitments to yourself and others can help you achieve a better work-life balance. Schedule time for yourself and your loved ones, and commit to following through on those plans. Make time for hobbies, exercise, and self-care activities, as these can help you recharge and reduce stress.
4. Schedule an Ongoing Activity:
Scheduling an ongoing activity, such as a weekly exercise class or a regular family dinner, can help you establish a healthy routine and create a sense of balance in your life. Stick to this routine as much as possible, and make it a priority even when work gets busy.
5. Enlist A Friend for Help:
Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Enlist a friend, family member, or colleague to help you with tasks or responsibilities, and offer to do the same for them. This can help you reduce stress and maintain a better work-life balance.
6. Start Small:
If you’re struggling to find balance in your life, start small. Make small changes, such as taking breaks throughout the day, setting aside time for a hobby, or scheduling a regular lunch date with a friend. These small changes can add up over time and help you create a better balance in your life.
7. Multitask Where You Can:
While multitasking can be stressful and ineffective, there are some situations where it can be helpful. For example, listening to an audiobook while exercising or catching up on emails while commuting can help you maximize your time and reduce stress.
8. Resist Perfectionism:
Perfectionism can be a major barrier to achieving a healthy work-life balance. Remember that you don’t have to do everything perfectly, and that it’s okay to ask for help or delegate tasks. Focus on doing your best and prioritize the most important tasks.
9. Allow for Flexibility:
While it’s important to establish a routine and stick to your commitments, it’s also important to allow for flexibility. Unexpected events can throw off your routine, so it’s important to be adaptable and adjust as needed.
10. Monitor Your Progress:
Finally, it’s important to monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed. Take time to reflect on your work-life balance and identify areas where you can improve. Celebrate your successes and adjust as necessary to maintain a healthy balance in your life.
Achieving a better work-life balance is essential for well-being and success, especially for Pennsylvania women. By following these 10 tips, you can create a better equilibrium between your work and personal life, reduce stress, and enjoy life to the fullest. Remember that balance is a journey, not a destination, and that it’s okay to make mistakes and adjust as needed. With persistence and positivity, you can achieve the balance you need to thrive.
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