Your client is overwhelmed with overtime demands. How do you help them achieve work-life balance?
When your client struggles with excessive overtime, it's vital to step in with strategies that promote a healthier balance. Here are some effective approaches:
What methods have you found helpful for managing work-life balance?
Your client is overwhelmed with overtime demands. How do you help them achieve work-life balance?
When your client struggles with excessive overtime, it's vital to step in with strategies that promote a healthier balance. Here are some effective approaches:
What methods have you found helpful for managing work-life balance?
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To help an overwhelmed client find balance we should suggest smarter time management & prioritizing tasks over marathon hours. Also show them the magic of delegation & the power of a strategic NO . At the end of the day balance isn’t better time management but better boundary management as per me .
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Helping a client swamped by overtime, is about more than setting boundaries; it's about designing a sustainable rhythm. Here’s how I help them reclaim balance: 1. Create a “Priority Playlist”: Together, we list top priorities and non-negotiables—both personal and professional—and sort them into ‘daily,’ ‘weekly,’ and ‘occasional’ tasks. This keeps focus clear and manageable. 2. Use a "15-Minute Reboot" Rule: For each hour of work, they take 15 minutes to step away, breathe, and refresh. A mini “reset” to prevent burnout. 3. Schedule "Joy" on the Calendar: Just like work meetings, we book time for life’s small pleasures—a lunch with a friend, an hour for hobbies. Balance isn’t built on limits; it’s made by making space for what matters!
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When clients struggle with excessive overtime, it's crucial to address the underlying issues that contribute to this imbalance. Encourage them to set clear boundaries and prioritize self-care, as maintaining mental health is essential for long-term career success. Additionally, fostering a culture of open communication within their workplace can lead to more manageable workloads and greater job satisfaction. As a career coach, I emphasize the importance of resilience and transformation; helping clients recognize their worth and advocate for their needs can empower them to reclaim their time and enhance their overall well-being.
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This is hard to answer without more context. Are you a line worker building widgets for an hourly wage and you're asked to work over time or are you a salaried business person with a team? Is this temporary? Does this position me for something better in the future? Are you learning something or getting better by working overtime? Is this because the company won't hire the +2 people you need? Do you have a team of people who you could delegate tasks to? Are you overwhelmed because of physical work or because you take on all of the tasks yourself and won't delegate or ask for help? If you're an hourly worker asked to stay 2 more hours a day you do not always have the ability to 'set clear boundaries'.
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For people that I coach and mentor, most will have jobs that are "never ending" - overtime becomes a bit of a moot point - you could actually work way outside of normal hours and still have stuff to do. So, overtime is not so much of a demand, but just part of the role. The question is, how do you manage the hours? Take a huge step back and look at the things you do each day - how is your intensity throughout each day and identify any "lost" hours. Look at when you are most productive and harness that. Early bird who thrives in the morning? Work with that and make the most of time before breakfast. Learn to say NO. And lastly? Set timers and calendar blocks so you don't faff about wondering what's next.
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Start by helping them identify the root causes of their overtime demands, such as inefficient processes, unclear priorities, or overcommitment. Encourage them to set clear boundaries by defining non-negotiable personal time and communicating these limits effectively with their team or manager. Work with them to prioritize tasks, delegate where possible, and focus only on high-impact activities. Support them in creating a realistic schedule that balances professional demands with personal well-being. Emphasize that sustainable success comes from aligning their energy and efforts with their most critical goals.
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