Lean Quote: 3 Rules for Better Work-Life Balance

On Fridays I will post a Lean related Quote. Throughout our lifetimes many people touch our lives and leave us with words of wisdom. These can both be a source of new learning and also a point to pause and reflect upon lessons we have learned. Within Lean active learning is an important aspect on this journey because without learning we can not improve.

"At the end of the day, how we spend our days on average, is how we live our lives."   —  Dr. Ashley Whillans, Assistant Professor at Harvard Business School 

Have you answered a work email during an important family event? Or taken a call from your boss while on vacation? According to behavioral scientist and Harvard Business School professor Ashley Whillans, "always-on" work culture is not only ruining our personal well-being — but our work, as well. She shares three practical steps for setting boundaries that stick.

Let’s recap the 3 rules below.

Reframe rest: Find ways to be present during time off instead of seeing it as an unproductive barrier. Treat the upcoming weekend like a vacation and create clear boundaries with work.

Set team goals for personal time: Do it publicly, collect data, and hold each other accountable.

Negotiate for more time: Savor your weekends and allotted time off by requesting an extension on adjustable deadlines.

I hope that this TedTalk has provided insight into how to reclaim rest and achieve a better work-life balance.