| It's a commonly-held belief that a hard worker is a | | | | ones who enjoy work and rarely seem to get riled |
| good worker but in certain circumstances it's also | | | | up in a tough situation. By managing your time |
| true that pressure to meet unrealistic deadlines can | | | | effectively with simple things like a well-maintained 'to |
| ultimately have a negative effect on productivity - | | | | do' list and an up-to-date calendar, you'll find that you |
| and indeed the well-being of the worker in question. | | | | begin to plan your working day more efficiently, |
| In potentially stressful roles where commission comes | | | | meaning less late nights at the office finishing off |
| into play - sales jobs for example - there's a | | | | tasks that should have been done hours earlier and |
| tendency for many people to set themselves | | | | more quality time at home. |
| unachievable targets. When such targets are missed | | | | If that's easier said than done for you then don't be |
| they berate themselves for having failed and vow to | | | | embarrassed to ask your employer about the |
| redouble their efforts going forward, and so the | | | | possibility of attending a time management course. |
| problem is exacerbated until something has to give. | | | | It's beneficial for both parties in the long-run so only |
| And all too often that something is that individual's | | | | the most short-sighted of bosses would turn down |
| health. | | | | such a request. |
| Finding a way to put in a good shift at work but still | | | | Similarly, if you feel that the way in which your work |
| find the time to properly unwind is essential - and not | | | | is scheduled isn't giving you the best chance at |
| hard to do if you follow some simple steps. An easy | | | | getting the tasks done by the relevant deadlines then |
| one to kick off with: use all of your holiday | | | | make a case for change. By having a system in place |
| entitlement. It seems an alien concept to some but | | | | that works for both the employee and the employer |
| there are an increasing number of workers who | | | | productivity levels will undoubtedly rise - so don't be |
| choose to forgo at least some of their assigned | | | | afraid to put across your concerns along with how |
| vacation days. | | | | things can be improved. |
| The onus is on your employer to provide sufficient | | | | In short, if you're finding the stresses of work |
| cover for your allocated holiday time so there's little | | | | impacting on your ability to genuinely enjoy your free |
| point in getting worked up with the thought that | | | | time, take a step back and identify the problem |
| work will be piled up on your desk when you return. | | | | areas. And if that means having a frank discussion |
| Communicate with your employer so that you can | | | | with your employer then so be it - make your case |
| head off with a clear conscience. By taking your full | | | | clearly and respectfully in order that they are left in |
| holiday entitlement you give yourself the best chance | | | | no doubt as to why changing things around would |
| of fully 'recharging your batteries', allowing you to | | | | work better for you and the company. And, most |
| return to work with a renewed vigour. | | | | importantly, be sure to take full advantage of your |
| Time management is also key. It's no co-incidence | | | | available free time so that your work-life balance is at |
| that the most organised workers tend to be the | | | | the optimum level. |