In the struggle to balance work and life, technology is often seen as a culprit for dissatisfaction. With our always-on, ever-connected lifestyles, it’s easy to see why tech gets a bad rap. Even when we’re at home trying to relax, it’s impossible to fully disconnect.
At the same time, there’s no doubt evolutions in technology have improved life for small businesses in the past few years. Here’s how tools you’re already using can help you achieve work/life harmony:
• Set clear expectations with your schedule – and leave work at work. Create a group calendar to share with your employees and family that reserves time for specific activities— work-related and personal. This approach will allow you to be present in whatever you’re doing at the time, whether it’s answering customer emails or reading a bedtime story to your kids. You can also use your out-of-office responder when you’re on vacation so you can actually enjoy your time away.
• Don’t underestimate the power of organization. In the chaos of a busy day, it’s too easy for a small business owner to forget to do simple things such as staying hydrated or eating a proper meal. It may sound silly, but even setting a reminder to get a glass of water, or putting “eat lunch” on your to-do list with Google Keep can make a huge difference.
• Make your commute less stressful. Let’s be honest: Nobody loves to sit in traffic. With apps such as Google Now, you’ll know exactly what to expect from your commute before you step out the door. Tools like this buy you peace of mind by taking the guesswork out of travel times.
While it may be impossible to achieve true balance in work and life, these tech-fueled tips can help you get one step closer to attaining work/life harmony.
We’re talking about #WorkLifeHarmony all throughout July in the Google Small Business Community. We welcome you to share your tips and tricks for #WorkLifeHarmony and join us at the end of the month in a Hangout on Air with Pamela Slim, the author of Escape from Cubicle Nation on July 30.