Work, workload and life balance

Melanie Jones

Chair, AIM

Some questions for all of us

Do you live to work or work to live? How much money do you need to live? Is money or time more important? Do you feel guilty if you say no when asked to work an

extra session/night? Do you say yes to requests so others think well of

you? Do you think you work too much? Do you think about work at night / at weekends?

The balance of your life

Professional status and behaviours

Our work defines us as a person Society gives status to doctors Bound by a code of ethics UK long hours culture High achievers High level of altruistic behaviour Detriment of own health Sacrifice time with families

Pressures to increase workload

Cover for colleagues – sickness, leave Waiting list pressures “Don’t let patients down” Same person(s) always asked - resentment Don’t want to let department or family down –

internal conflict Remember your lead clinician under

pressure if list cancelled

Stress Performance Connection

Stress and Bullying

All Trusts have dignity at work policies May feel bullied if too much pressure

exerted to undertake extra work Develop strategy for additional work –

personal and departmental Career should not suffer if decline extra

work

Generic skills to improve balance

Time Management Stress Management Assertiveness Dealing with conflict Physical fitness / exercise Mentoring and Coaching Appraisee skills

Leave entitlement – use it!

Annual leave Study leave Professional leave Career break Sabbatical Parental Leave Carer’s leave Sick leave

Is your life balanced?

Take a holiday Eat breakfast Exercise Spend time with your

partner Meet friends in evening Eat less Drink more water Drink less alcohol

Reduce your work hours Retire Play sports Switch off the TV Switch off the computer Take up a new activity Say NO Indulge yourself for an

hour a week