Here's how you can balance work and life while advancing your career as a mid-career HR Consultant.

Balancing work and personal life is a challenge for many, especially for mid-career HR consultants who are often caught between the demands of advancing their careers and maintaining a healthy home life. As an HR consultant, you have the skills to manage people and policies, but managing your own time can be trickier. It's crucial to find equilibrium to ensure both personal satisfaction and professional success. The following sections will guide you through strategies to achieve this balance without compromising your career growth.

1 Prioritize Tasks

As a mid-career HR consultant, your experience is an asset in determining which tasks require immediate attention and which can wait. Start by assessing your workload and identifying high-impact activities that align with your career goals. Prioritizing these tasks ensures you're focusing on what truly matters for your advancement. Utilize time management techniques such as the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize and prioritize your responsibilities effectively. This will help you to dedicate your best hours to the most critical tasks while maintaining a clear boundary between work and personal time.

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Pedro Andreoni

Founding Partner at Talentuz
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You should prioritize tasks based on importance and deadlines, delegate responsibilities when possible, and set boundaries to protect personal time. Utilize time management techniques such as scheduling, prioritization, and focus blocks to maximize productivity during work hours.

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Tiffany Anderjaska

Currently on Vacation!! Your People Partner | Coach | Speaker | DE&I Advocate & Advisor
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I've learned that success isn't just about doing more, but doing what matters most. There are a few great systems out there, one of them being "GTD - Getting things done". Start your day by pinpointing high-impact, easy wins, and admin tasks. Put this into a kanban board, for you to tick off as done by the EOD. The Eisenhower Matrix is helpful and can guide one through responsibilities with clarity and precision. You can with this system also dedicate certain tasks to your prime hours or hours you have the most energy.

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2 Set Boundaries

Establishing clear boundaries is essential for work-life balance. Communicate your working hours to clients and colleagues, and be firm about when you are and aren't available. This could mean setting specific times when you check emails or designate certain days for meetings. By doing so, you create a predictable schedule that respects both your professional commitments and personal time. Remember, it's okay to say no to requests that fall outside your work boundaries, as this helps maintain a sustainable workload and prevents burnout.

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Shannon Anderson, MBA, SHRM-CP

CEO | CHRO | Chief People Officer | HR Fairy Godmother | Culture Driver
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There's a couple of ways to do this. First, figure out when the best time of day is for you and your mind to do the deep work and focus. For me, it's early in the morning when the day is just starting for everyone. By lunchtime, my inbox, IMs, and phone are all a buzz and I have learned that's the best time for me to be in meetings and handle the transactional side of my job. Secondly, when it's "after-hours" and you're wrapping up emails, put them on delay delivery for the next morning. This way you are getting it out of the way and clearing your inbox while simultaneously training your clients on your availability.

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3 Leverage Networks

Networking isn't solely for job hunting; it's also a tool for sharing responsibilities and knowledge. Connect with other HR professionals to stay updated on industry best practices that can streamline your work. Don't hesitate to delegate tasks when appropriate or collaborate on projects. This not only lightens your workload but also provides opportunities for learning and career development. Moreover, a strong network can provide support during challenging times, helping you navigate work-life balance with greater ease.

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4 Embrace Flexibility

The nature of HR consulting often allows for flexible work arrangements. Take advantage of this by finding a work rhythm that suits your lifestyle. If you're more productive in the mornings, schedule demanding tasks early in the day. Conversely, if family commitments require your mornings, adjust your work hours accordingly. Embracing flexibility can also mean working remotely or using technology to stay connected while away from the office. This adaptability can lead to a more balanced life while still meeting professional obligations.

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5 Invest in Yourself

Remember that personal development is as important as professional growth. Invest time in activities that enhance your well-being, such as exercise, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones. These activities not only provide a necessary break from work but also contribute to your overall effectiveness as an HR consultant by keeping you mentally and physically healthy. Additionally, consider professional development opportunities that align with your interests and can be pursued alongside your career, such as online courses or certifications.

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6 Reflect Regularly

Lastly, make it a habit to reflect on your work-life balance regularly. Assess what's working and what's not, and be willing to make adjustments. Your career and personal life are dynamic, so your approach to balancing them should be too. Reflection allows you to stay conscious of your goals and the steps you're taking to achieve them. It's a crucial part of ensuring that you're not only advancing in your career but also living a life that is fulfilling and aligned with your values.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Tomohiro Minami, MS-HRM, GPHR

HXM Value Advisory Director at SAP / Visiting Researcher at Waseda University
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From my experience, balancing work and life is similar as defining my brand as an HR consultant. Many companies are seeking the balance between work and life and designing measures to achieve. Do you think a company ask support for a consultant who has unbalanced work and life? I don’t think so. So seeking the best balance of work and life is designing your brand as an HR consultant.

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Supriya Zende

HR l I make your work life easier.
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Prioritise well-being by incorporating activities such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies into your daily routine to recharge and reduce stress. For instance, allocating time for a morning workout or evening walk can boost energy levels and improve overall well-being. Try and delegate tasks and leverage technology to streamline workflows and maximize productivity. For example, utilizing project management tools or outsourcing non-essential tasks can free up time for higher-value activities both at work and in personal life. Lastly, communicate openly with colleagues and supervisors about your boundaries and needs, advocating for flexibility and support when necessary.

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Here's how you can balance work and life while advancing your career as a mid-career HR Consultant.

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Prioritize Tasks

2 Set Boundaries

3 Leverage Networks

4 Embrace Flexibility

5 Invest in Yourself

6 Reflect Regularly

7 Here’s what else to consider

HR Consulting

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Here's how you can balance work and life while advancing your career as a mid-career HR Consultant.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Prioritize Tasks

2 Set Boundaries

3 Leverage Networks

4 Embrace Flexibility

5 Invest in Yourself

6 Reflect Regularly

7 Here’s what else to consider

HR Consulting

Rate this article

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