And just like that, we’ve finished a series of commentaries on another pressing issue for professionals. We leave you today with part five of our list of the things the workplace is not, which should hit us all a little more personally. Until next week’s read, then!

  • IT’S NOT A PLACE TO TAKE CARE OF PERSONAL MATTERS.

In connection with our last few pieces that touched on its value, work-life balance plays a part in allowing us to continue with our lives outside of work. We get to plot our own schedules and to-do lists that we can spend our free time on. We can take care of important personal matters that don’t really have a place at the workplace.

Sadly, a number of employees still consume time at the workplace doing things that should have been left at home. While there is nothing inherently wrong with this, the effect on overall workplace productivity is significant especially when there is more than one member of the team doing it. It is thus not a good workplace habit, no matter what industry.

To be fair, it is sometimes a symptom of a lack of work-life balance, which requires greater probing and intervention particularly if a significant number of employees cite the same reason. Is work interfering with the personal lives of employees? What can be done to help them manage their workloads more efficiently? These kinds of questions can help the organization create and implement effective policies and programs to boost employees’ efficiency and capability to manage their tasks.

As per usual, communication amongst all members of an organization can help identify weak points in its business and people strategies. Once that’s done, everyone can begin moving forward to turn them into opportunities and strengths.