Women are often praised for their multi-tasking attitude, working full-time jobs, and taking care of their spouses, homes, and children simultaneously. This is true for anyone employed full-time who is a parent, but studies show that mothers who work are more inclined than fathers to have more household responsibilities. This means that women are able to take on various roles outside of their work, and are expected to perform at the same level as their male counterparts. This is a lopsided responsibility and the different elements of life merge in their efforts to manage it effectively. This is why there is a greater emphasis on working-life balance for women, a notion intended to ensure that one aspect of their lives does not interfere with other equally important areas.

The workplace often places heavy stress on female workers. This includes workloads along with the emotional and relationship responsibilities that they are expected to perform. While working in a professional capacity, they are also carrying the load of household work. This dual burden can cause stress, and impact mental and physical health which can lead to burnout and less productivity at work.

The systemic nature of the workplace affects the way Women perform their work

All employees of all ages and genders need to feel respected and appreciated. There are a few challenges at the workplace that are only applicable to female employees. Here are some of the challenges.

• Sexism. Women continue to face absurd and difficult challenges because of cultural beliefs and stigmas. This can result in low-perceived health as well as mental health issues. If you want help from a “Psychologist near me” seek consultation from an Online Counsellor and the Best Therapist in India at TalktoAngel.

• The cost of care is high. Many female employees are unable to return to work following the birth of children. A prolonged absence from work can influence future earnings and prospects.

• Sexual harassment. The #MeToo movement inspired by the experiences of women brought the trauma of sexual harassment into the mainstream. It brought light to the issue that has been underlying for many years and has been affecting working women. Being subject to the adversity of sexual harassment in the workplace changes your perception of work and professional life.

• Unfair standards. An old survey from 1998 revealed that women are underpaid at work due to their gender and also they had to compensate for their personal life to achieve equal pay. The study was concentrated on the construction industry but it could occur to anyone.

Get your work-life balance back today

There are myriad strategies to help you enhance your work-life balance. Here are five strategies to help you take charge of your life and overall health.

1. Prioritize "me time": Self-care is not selfish. Actually, it should be the top priority on your list of things to do. Self-care is proven to enhance your mood. A short research review found that self-care may reduce anxiety and treat depression. You can try.

• Drinking plenty of water.
• Taking healthy and nutritious meals.
• Sleeping enough.
• Exercise regularly.
• Relaxation activities (like journaling, meditation, and breathing exercises).

Connect with people who can provide emotional support and assistance. You may also seek advice from a mental health Online Counselor or the Top Psychologists in India by undergoing in-person therapy or online counseling.

2. Look for an occupation you enjoy: A job that you love will make your workday more enjoyable. Are you not feeling it? There is a myriad of options to explore and discover your passion. This is how you can achieve it.

• Change teams. You might love your work but hate the job you hold. If this is the case, look into other opportunities the company has to provide.

• Learn online through online classes. There's no time to be too old to get started. If you've always been interested in something, try it! There are plenty of no-cost or inexpensive courses you can take at your convenience at home. It is also possible to find out whether your company has classes in training.

• Send your resume. You don't know what opportunities are just on the next edge. Send your resume to LinkedIn or visit online job search sites.

3. Establish boundaries: Whether you are working at home or from an office, setting boundaries while working is essential. Here are some suggestions to help. If you have family members or colleagues in an office, request them to respect your space when you're working. If your normal shift is over by five p.m. then end your shift at 5 p.m. Don't overindulge your work hours. Reset your work routine while you're at home. Walk around and change your clothes or engage in a fun activity with your family.

If you are using the same number or device to work and for your personal life, make sure you log out of your account for work when the working day is over.

4. Make time for yourself to rest: If you have personal or sick holidays, take advantage of these days! If you don't have paid time off (PTO) and you be tempted to push through an illness or a mental health depression -- do not do it. A day off every now and then can be a boon to physical and mental health. It will also decrease the possibility of burning out and can help you become more productive.

Don't let anyone make you feel guilty for making space for yourself. Keep in mind that you're not an automated machine. You're entitled to some an hour of relaxation.

5. Get professional assistance: It's normal to feel overwhelmed, stressed, or even stuck at times. Keep in mind that it's completely acceptable to seek help. Contact your teammates and ask them to help. Request your family or roommates to assist you with chores. Talk with a trusted person you trust or an online counsellor. Remember, you've got nothing to be embarrassed about when you receive Online Counselling from expect or the Best Psychologist in India.

If you’re an employer or HR Manager in your organization where you can change the scenario, please explore Best Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 

Online Counselling is an effective way to identify one’s issues, gain insight and confidence to be productive, and have a good quality of life. It is seeking unbiased professional help from the “Best” professionals, therapists, Relationship Counsellors, marriage counsellors, the Top Psychologists in India, and the best psychiatrists in India to overcome one’s psychological disturbances. 

One can connect with TalktoAngel Asia’s No. 1 Online Counselling platform and take couple therapy with the Best Psychologist in India and Couple Counsellor for their marital conflicts.

Contribution by: Dr (Prof) R K Suri, Best Clinical Psychologist & Life Coach & Mr. Utkarsh Yadav, Counselling Psychologist