Your Canadian guide to achieving work-life balance

PATH TO CAREER SUCCESS
Your Canadian guide to achieving work-life balance

Did you know that Canada ranks 5th in the world for work-life balance?

Maintaining harmony between your professional and personal life is a significant part of Canadian work culture. If you’re new to this approach, it can feel tricky to protect your energy while staying productive.

Here are three simple strategies from Indeed Canada to help you stay on track and feel good.

🛑 Pause and spot the problem
Take a moment to think about what’s draining your energy or making your days harder. Maybe it’s an overloaded schedule or unclear priorities. By identifying what’s not working, you’ll be able to take control of your time and make adjustments that help you feel more balanced.

💬 Be clear about your limits
Let others know what you’re working on and set realistic expectations for what’s next. Saying “no” or asking for extra time doesn’t mean you’re failing—it’s about protecting your energy so you can deliver your best work. This kind of honest communication builds trust and keeps you from burning out.

🐢 Slow down to do more
This idea of "slow productivity," popularized by Cal Newport, is about focusing on fewer things at a time but doing them better. If you have multiple projects on your plate, avoid tackling them all at once. Instead, share what you’re actively working on, and keep a list of tasks to revisit later. You’ll feel less overwhelmed and more in control.

CAREER COACH Q & A
Navigating New Horizons with Expert Guidance from a Seasoned Career Coach

Q: What is emotional intelligence and what are some concrete steps I can take to improve it?

A: Emotional intelligence (EI) refers to the ability to understand, manage, and express your emotions while recognizing and influencing the emotions of others. It’s essential in the Canadian workplace to foster collaboration, build trust, and enhance communication.

To improve your EI, consider these steps:

🌟 Pause and label your emotions
When emotions arise, take a moment to pause and identify what you’re feeling before reacting. For example, if you feel upset during a meeting, recognize the emotion as frustration or disappointment, giving yourself time to respond thoughtfully instead of impulsively.

🗣️ Practice active listening
When engaging with colleagues, focus entirely on their words without distractions. Use open body language, ask clarifying questions, and nod to show understanding. This fosters empathy and strengthens relationships.

(via Indeed Canada)

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LEARN THE LINGO
Phrases to protect your time at work

You’ve figured out what needs to shift in your work schedule to make it more sustainable—now, how do you share these needs with your team?

Stephen Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, emphasizes a “win-win” approach. Your goal is to show how these adjustments will enhance your work—by improving quality, reducing mistakes, or increasing efficiency.

Here are three phrases to help you communicate effectively:

When you need to defer a project
✅ "I’d like to focus fully on this project to deliver the best results. Could we discuss shifting the start date for the next task so it gets the attention it deserves?"

When you need uninterrupted time for deep work
✅ "I’ve noticed my best work happens when I have focused time without interruptions. Can we block off a few hours in the mornings for me to tackle priority tasks?"

When you need a more flexible schedule
✅ "I’ve been reflecting on how to sustain both my productivity and well-being. Would adjusting my start and end times slightly help us achieve both?"