We were joined by Janine Dueñas, Head of Customer Support at PayMongo, who shared with us her first-hand experience of walking the personal and professional tightrope, and creating a sense of balance that we often seek in our professional relationships.
Office hours are bite-sized, online learning experiences for our NewCampus alumni community. These are interactive events where you can freely ask questions and engage with experienced business leaders.
Janine understands that it’s sometimes hard to say no, especially in Asian culture. There is a fine balance to walk the personal and professional tightrope, a balance a lot of us continuously seek to maintain with our teammates.
Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:
🧯 Balancing personal and professional matters equals productivity (and less burnout!) - The conventional notion of relentlessly pursuing work at the expense of personal life is no longer sustainable and can lead to severe consequences like burnout and reduced productivity. Research has shown that employees who maintain a healthy work-life balance are more engaged and motivated. When individuals have the time and energy to focus on their personal lives, they return to work with a fresh perspective.
🖇️ Create that balanced culture by defining a clear goal for your team from the get-go - One of the key ingredients for establishing a work environment that encourages work-life balance is setting a clear goal and vision from the very beginning. When teams have a well-defined purpose and shared objectives, it becomes easier for employees to manage their time efficiently. Team leaders can make a start in fostering a balanced culture by promoting open communication, ensuring that workloads are manageable, and supporting employees in maintaining the equilibrium between their personal and professional lives.
🎾 Find an outlet and de-load before you get to your personal life - The boundary between work and personal life should be clearly defined, and this requires a deliberate effort to de-load from work-related stressors. Engaging in activities that promote relaxation and mindfulness, such as meditation, exercise, or pursuing hobbies, can help employees unwind and detach from work-related thoughts and worries. This de-loading process not only allows individuals to decompress but also helps them to be more present and engaged in their personal relationships and activities.
The result is a harmonious, motivated, and dedicated workforce that reaps the rewards of work-life balance in both their professional and personal pursuits. Thank you Janine for sharing with us!
Attendees:
Zoe Toh
Danbi Kim
Natthida Jareankieatbovorn
Chul Hong
Baljina Bashi
Wirya Tanuwijaya
Ashish Melhotra
Jeremy Hoo
Susanti Lee
Octavianus Gandajaya
