“If you win the rat race, you’re still a rat.”

This characterization from Anna Quindlen’s A Short Guide to a Happy Life has always resonated with me. A ‘rat race,' by definition, is an exhausting, fierce and competitive way of life. Reflecting on today’s world of work in relation to the classic rat race scenario, it’s a cautionary tale to professionals everywhere: if you don’t find balance outside of work, you are less likely to find reward in your work. Yet, the unfortunate reality for many of us is a difficult settlement: an upset client and a busy workday make it challenging for even the most well-intentioned, mindful professionals to put problems away at the end of the day.

The lack of boundaries can be overwhelming, and the resulting burnout comes with a high price tag. Gallup estimates employee disengagement costs the overall U.S. economy as much as $350 billion every year and $1.8 trillion in lost productivity in the U.S. alone.

Research has consistently correlated the value of work/life balance for employees, but, clearly, these figures show there are benefits for employers as well. According to the Harvard Business Review, “Companies have long known that programs promoting work/life balance boost productivity, reduce turnover and improve employees’ mental and physical health. And now it’s clear that they are also a powerful way to increase organizational diversity.” In her book, Quindlen encourages readers to live life like their time is limited and to enjoy all the small details in each moment. To get the best from our people, encouraging balance is critical — and as leaders, it’s important for us to set the tone. 

1. Lead by example - Just like the members of our team, I truly believe people-leaders need time away from daily routines to connect with loved ones and friends or pursue a passion outside our careers. When I take time away from work, it enables me to develop an appreciation for the people I work with, time to recharge my energy and offer a better perspective. My team knows that my workday stops at 6 p.m., so I can be present during my kids’ dinner and bedtime. The balance of time with family can help reverse a bad day in the office. (Although, some days, the kids’ bedtime antics can quickly reverse a great workday as well … but that’s for a different post.) It’s important for my team to see this from me, so they feel comfortable to do the same.    

2. Change the narrative - Stepping away from work can be daunting for many leaders who might fret that their absence will lead to more work for others on the team. I encourage you to reframe that narrative. The idea of being a part of something greater and counting on teammates or co-workers to lift you up and support you can be a positive experience. Whenever someone tells me that they cannot take time off or they can’t get away from their phone, I will challenge them to see if opportunities exist to create space from their work. Additionally, cross-training and office backups provide high-performers at every phase in their careers with professional development, cross-function exposure and opportunities to grow their resume when given the chance to take on a new project or task on your behalf.  

3. Nurture your own interests - Today, many of us fall victim to endless scrolling on social media, text messages ad nauseum and a constant news cycle. You can exhaust yourself if you don’t find time to relax and unplug. This brings us back to the author’s message: we should try to always seek our best possible life. I have sought to build a team that embraces their worktime, but also find joy in their private time away from their desk. Be present. Establish a time each night where you put the phone away and do not check it for texts, phone calls, emails or social media. Find new hobbies and passions that help you learn and grow. Once you have established this time, hold yourself accountable to lose yourself in whatever activity you are doing. 

4. Take that vacation - In a recent commencement speech Bill Gates reflected on his early days at Microsoft, lamenting the vacations he didn’t take. “I didn’t believe in vacations. I didn’t believe in weekends. I pushed everyone around me to work very long hours.” He went on, urging the new grads in attendance to take a different approach, “Take a break when you need to. Take it easy on the people around you when they need it, too.” Create time each year to get away from the office for a chunk of time. Schedule time away months out in advance. If financially possible, commit to going somewhere, even if it’s a short distance from home. Changing our environment can stimulate creativity and create space for innovation.

New research from The Conference Board revealed that “thanks to gains in pay, benefits and work/life balance, workers are actually happier than they have been in decades.” And, according to Principal Researcher Allan Schweyer, “Leaders gain the most by offering flexible, hybrid work arrangements and by emphasizing work experience and culture factors, such as interesting work, reasonable workloads and opportunities for career growth.” As leaders, the very best thing we can do for our teams is to create an environment where it’s okay to take a break.

It’s good for the bottom line, talent retention, morale and productivity, and let's face it — life is too short to be stuck in a rat race.

About Scott Storck

Scott Storck is a Regional President at Anywhere Integrated Services. In this role, he is responsible for the operations and growth of Keystone Title, Guardian Transfer, Keystone Closing, Mid-Atlantic Settlement Services, Market Street Settlement Group, Quality Choice Title, Residential Title and Burnet Title Indiana. With an expertise in sales, vendor relationships and joint venture development and execution, Scott leads title relationships and business integration within Anywhere’s franchise broker network.