Flexibility, Family, and Focus: Rethinking Balance in Public Service

Work-life balance has become one of today’s most elusive goals- especially for those whose jobs serve the public. Between community demands, hybrid schedules, and the endless ping of notifications, it’s easy to let personal time erode. Yet balance isn’t just a luxury; it’s a leadership imperative. Drawing on lessons from government service and research on employee well-being, this piece explores how setting boundaries, embracing flexibility, and truly disconnecting can transform not only how we work but how we live.

One of the most effective strategies I have found to support work-life balance is setting firm boundaries between professional responsibilities and personal time. In my experience working in local government, it is easy to let work bleed into evenings and weekends, especially when the job involves responding to community needs. However, I have learned that unless I intentionally carve out time for family and rest, those moments quickly disappear. Scheduling specific hours for work and honoring them as strictly as I would a meeting with a supervisor helps reinforce those boundaries. This approach allows me to be fully present with my family during our time together, which is critical for maintaining healthy relationships.

Research supports this approach. A study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology found that employees who set clear boundaries between work and home life reported lower stress and higher levels of job satisfaction and family cohesion¹. For those working from home or in hybrid roles, the challenge can be even greater, as the physical separation between work and personal life is less clear. In these cases, designating a specific workspace, setting start and end times for work, and communicating availability to colleagues can help maintain those much-needed lines between professional and personal commitments.

Flexible Scheduling as a Tool for Balance

When I decided to be a stay-at-home parent while continuing to work, I quickly realized that flexibility would be essential. Rather than trying to mirror a traditional 9-to-5 schedule, I adapted my work hours around my child’s routine. I began working in the early mornings, during nap times, and in the evenings after bedtime. This strategy allowed me to participate in family life without sacrificing professional responsibilities. It required discipline and planning, but it gave me the freedom to attend school events, prepare meals, and be present.

The value of flexible work has been widely recognized in both academic and government literature. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management encourages flexible work options, noting that they increase productivity, reduce absenteeism, and improve employee morale². For practitioners in government roles, offering or advocating for flexible scheduling policies can have a measurable impact on both employee well-being and organizational effectiveness. It is not only a benefit for parents, but also for anyone managing caregiving responsibilities, health issues, or educational goals.

The Importance of Taking Real Time Off

Like my mom and sister, I once struggled to take real breaks from work. Even when I scheduled vacation time, I found myself checking emails or taking calls. Over time, I noticed that this behavior left me feeling just as exhausted after time off as before. I eventually realized that, to recharge truly, I had to disconnect entirely. This meant turning off notifications, setting up out-of-office messages, and trusting colleagues to handle issues while I was away. It wasn't easy at first, but once I made it a habit, I found that I returned to work more focused and better able to contribute.

There is strong evidence that taking uninterrupted time off improves both health and job performance. A study by the American Psychological Association found that vacations reduce stress and improve mood and productivity when employees fully disengage from work³. For government employees, whose roles often involve high public visibility and accountability, the pressure to remain available can be intense. However, building a culture that respects and protects vacation time is crucial. Supervisors play a key role by modeling this behavior and encouraging their teams to use leave time fully and unapologetically.

Creating a Support Network at Work and Home

Work-life balance is not a solo effort. I have learned that having support both at home and at work makes it much more sustainable. At home, my partner and I check in regularly about our schedules and responsibilities. We divide tasks so that no one is carrying the full burden of childcare or household management. At work, I have developed a network of colleagues who understand the importance of balance and who cover for each other when one of us needs to step away. These relationships are built on mutual respect and trust, and they make a huge difference in how manageable my responsibilities feel.

From a public administration perspective, fostering a supportive work culture is essential. Managers can facilitate this by promoting peer-to-peer support systems, offering employee assistance programs, and recognizing employees' personal lives as valid and crucial. According to a report by the International Public Management Association for Human Resources, organizations that adopt these practices see lower turnover and higher employee engagement⁴. Encouraging open conversations about work-life balance, especially in local government settings where the pace can be relentless, helps normalize the idea that personal well-being matters.

Planning and Prioritizing What Matters

One of the most practical strategies I use to stay balanced is planning. Every Sunday night, I sit down and map out the week ahead, including work tasks, family activities, and personal time. This helps me set realistic goals and avoid overcommitting. I also identify one or two non-negotiables for the week - things like attending a school event or taking a walk with my child. These priorities serve as anchors in my schedule and remind me why balance matters in the first place.

Time management and prioritization are crucial for professionals in high-demand roles. A study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health emphasizes the role of proactive planning in reducing workplace stress and improving performance⁵. By integrating personal priorities into the planning process, employees are more likely to follow through on them. For public sector workers who often support broad community needs, adopting this strategy can help ensure that personal responsibilities are not consistently pushed aside.

Building a Healthier Future Through Work-Life Balance

Watching my mother and sister sacrifice their personal lives for work taught me valuable lessons. I knew I wanted something different for myself and my child. Choosing to work from home, design a flexible schedule, and prioritize family time has already made a noticeable difference in my well-being. I am more present, less stressed, and more fulfilled both at work and at home. It is not always easy, and there are still weeks where things feel out of sync, but having a plan and a clear set of values guides my decisions.

Work-life balance is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It looks different for every person depending on their role, support system, and personal goals. However, the principles - setting boundaries, taking time off, building support networks, and planning - can be applied by anyone. For those of us working in government or public service, modeling balance is not just about personal health. It also sets a standard for how we lead and support our teams. When we lead by example, we create workplaces where people can thrive, both professionally and personally.

Bibliography

Allen, Tammy D., et al. "Work-Family Boundary Dynamics." Journal of Occupational Health Psychology 19, no. 1 (2014): 28-40.
U.S. Office of Personnel Management. "Work-Life Flexibilities and Work-Life Programs." Accessed May 2024. https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/worklife/.
American Psychological Association. "Vacations Can Boost Mental Health." Accessed May 2024. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2020/vacation-mental-health.
International Public Management Association for Human Resources. "Work-Life Balance Practices in the Public Sector." Accessed May 2024. https://www.ipma-hr.org/.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. "Stress at Work." Accessed May 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/99-101/.