Prioritizing WorkLife wellbeing for hybrid and remote employees is essential for fostering a sustainable and positive professional environment. By supporting a healthy balance between work and personal life, we not only enhance employee morale but also boost productivity and creativity.

Work-Life @ UCSB

Flexible work gives us the opportunity to really examine the where, what, when and how of good work. 

  • Opportunity to experiment to work with your chronotype (early bird/night owl) to optimize work performance.
  • Observance of your energy and engagement in certain tasks and the ability to identify what motivates and energizes you.
  • The ability to better integrate the responsibilities of work and home.
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  • Practice of good digital hygiene by setting limits and designating time off: 
  • Better health management with more food and exercise choices and less illness.
  • Assigning the right tasks to the best location to accomplish those tasks.
  • Opportunity to learn when to "log off" for the day... while the line between work and life tends to blur during remote work, this is precisely the time to establish ways/tools to delineate, protect, and optimize each aspect.
  • Exploration of your creative-energy flow and ability to move specific tasks based on optimal times throughout the day.

Woman running on the lagoon trail

Fill Your Bucket as a Leader

Take care of yourself so you are able to take care of your team. Demonstrate and show empathy for yourself and others while allowing for different reactions and self-care needs. Self-care is more than spa days and the occasional day off. It's about doing right by yourself and being your own personal advocate for your well-being. It’s having your own back. There are many different kinds of self-care, but as a whole, we're referring to the activities and practices that we deliberately choose to engage in on a regular basis to maintain and enhance our health and well-being.

  1. You Set the Tone. As a leader on campus, your behavior and attitude significantly influence the work culture and the well-being of your team members. When you prioritize your own self-care, you set a positive example, fostering a culture of well-being throughout the organization.
  2. Manage Stress. Become more mindful, compassionate, and happier. helping you stay positive, be available to others, and enjoy life more. When you engage in self-care activities helps managers reduce stress, enhance resilience, and maintain a clear and focused mindset. 
  3. Improve WorkLife Wellbeing. Managers may struggle to strike a balance between their personal and professional lives. Prioritizing self-care allows leaders to rejuvenate, recharge, and prevent burnout. By setting aside dedicated time for personal activities, hobbies, and spending quality time with family and friends, managers can achieve a greater sense of well-being, which ultimately leads to greater satisfaction, increased productivity, and a higher quality of life.
  4. Enhanced Emotional Intelligence. By engaging in practices that promote emotional well-being, managers can develop a better understanding of their own emotions and reactions, allowing them to regulate their responses and communicate more effectively with their team members. By demonstrating empathy and emotional intelligence, managers can build stronger relationships, improve teamwork, and foster a supportive work environment. 
  5. Increased Productivity and Performance. Managers who practice self-care tend to be more focused, energetic, and productive. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and healthy eating habits contribute to improved cognitive function, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation, such as reading, listening to music, or spending time in nature, can rejuvenate the mind and enhance productivity. Furthermore, taking regular breaks and utilizing time-management techniques, can help leaders maintain focus and optimize their productivity throughout the workday, regulating your energy levels and build resilience.
  1. Prioritize Physical Well-being: Build a rest routine. This starts with setting up a realistic, consistent sleep schedule. Make time for short, re-energizing 20-minute breaks for rest can reignite dwindling energy levels in the latter half of the workday. Engaging in regular exercise, eating well, and adequate hydration, not only improves physical health but also has numerous mental and emotional benefits.
  2. Foster Mental Wellness: Incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily routine cultivates mental well-being. These practices can help calm the mind, reduce stress, and improve focus and clarity. Allocate time for activities such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or guided relaxation. Reading, solving puzzles, and learning new skills, can also contribute to mental well-being.
  3. Cultivate Emotional Resilience: Being open with your emotions, sharing your vulnerability, and showing your team what self-care looks like are powerful leadership qualities. Building a strong support network can enhance emotional intelligence and resilience. Seek out mentors or coaches who can provide valuable insights and help you navigate difficult situations. Connect with trusted friends, family, or colleagues who can provide a listening ear and offer guidance during challenging times. Practice self-reflection and journaling to gain greater understanding of your emotions, thoughts, and patterns of behavior. 
  4. Set Boundaries and Delegate: Recognizing your limitations and setting clear boundaries can help to avoid burnout for yourself and your team. Delegate tasks to capable team members, empowering them to test out new skills, and alleviating your workload. Establish, and clearly communicate, designated periods of time for rest, relaxation, and personal activities, and honor those boundaries as much as possible.
  5. Continuous Learning and Development: Investing in your professional growth and development not only expands your knowledge and skills but also enhances your confidence and effectiveness as a leader. Take advantage of resources and networks that can help you stay updated on industry trends and best practices.