Work-Life Balance | Tips for Desk Assistants to manage their wellbeing

It’s no secret that desk assistants have incredibly busy schedules. Based on the trade floor, you’re often pulled in several directions and interrupted multiple times a day. Organising diaries, combined with extensive travel coordination AND trying to squeeze in a presentation on a deadline can provoke stress and anxiety for many. We meet a number of candidates who thrive from the buzz and love the busy schedules; we also see many who simply can’t manage and are burnt out.

Stress and worry should not be prerequisites to working in the City. If your role is busy, the trick is to know and understand how to counter-balance the pace and ensure you maintain a high level of productivity at work (not to mention mental wellbeing!) in the long-term.

Here are five steps we recommend taking to achieve the essential balance you need.

1. Schedule in ‘you’ time

Just as you would a meeting, ensure you book in quality time for yourself and STICK to it. Be it a body pump class, an evening with a book and a glass of wine, or a walk after work, book it in your diary. Including friends and family members on these plans is probably a good idea as it will mean you’re much more likely to stick to it!

2. Manage expectations

Don’t get into the habit of answering emails out of hours. Even if you’re working on a Sunday night to prep for your week, don’t send the emails you’ve crafted until Monday morning. If you do, you’ll set the expectation that you work on the weekends and are on call 24/7; people will expect an immediate response from you no matter the hour of the day, which will intensify the pressure.

3. Exercise more

You might think you have no time for it, but a huge amount of research reinforces the mantra: ‘happy body, happy mind’. To put it bluntly: the more you exercise, the better equipped your mind will be to deal with stressful situations and anxiety. Situations will feel more manageable, you’ll have a clearer head and you’ll be a more agreeable colleague to have around. It’s win-win for everyone!

4. Take your annual leave

If your company permits it, take your annual leave once or twice a year for two weeks at a time, rather than several times over long weekends and mini breaks. It will mean you give yourself the breathing space to truly wind down and relax. It’s so important to give your mind a break and allow yourself the chance to re-charge your batteries properly.

5. Give yourself the right fuel

It goes without saying that surviving on caffeine, alcohol and junk food will not give you the tools you need to perform at your best. Eating healthily and drinking lots of water will put you in great stead to manage high-pressure situations in the best possible way.

Get in touch today to find out more.