5 Simple Ways to Achieve Work Life Balance as a Property Manager

You’re only halfway through the year and already feeling burnt-out. Long hours, unexpected problems and a seemingly endless to-do list, there’s no denying that property management is a demanding career. The lines between work and personal life are easily blurred. But you can still be an accomplished property manager without sacrificing time for yourself and loved ones. Here are a few simple but powerful ways to find balance and not let your work overwhelm you.  

1. Schedule your workday around your priorities  

Prioritise, you’ve probably heard it many times before but for a good reason. Start with a list of all the tasks you plan to complete. Then structure your day in segments according to priority. Ask for advice from your manager if you’re unsure about what requires your immediate attention. Have breaks in between your work segments. Don’t feel the need to respond to everything immediately. If a problem can wait until business hours, let it.

2. Lighten your load with a clear system of delegation

Many people think that asking for help makes them seem incompetent. Successful property managers trust in the abilities of their team members and never bear all the burden alone. Work together with your team to plan how and when you will delegate your work, especially during after-hours when you can’t attend to emergencies. In this way, everyone will be working towards a common goal and feeling more connected to their jobs.  

3. Don’t underestimate the importance of self-care

When you’ve got a growing backlog of work, it can be tempting to stay back at the office and have dinner at 10 pm. But overworking yourself will only cause more damage in the long run. To perform at your best, it’s essential to take care of your body and mind. Make a conscious effort to eat healthily, exercise regularly and get enough sleep. This may sound like a no-brainer but we often forget to look after ourselves when we’re busy looking after other people.  

4. Create a work environment that supports productivity

Is your workspace acoustically and ergonomically comfortable? Factors such as air quality, room temperature, noise level, lighting, and office furniture can affect your productivity levels. Research shows that an uncluttered workspace can improve concentration and reduce stress. It is also proven that personalising your space can increase your emotional connection with your work. Strike the balance by limiting the number of personal items to ones that are particularly meaningful or useful.  

5. Work is a big part of life but it shouldn’t be all of it  

We all know the saying “work hard, play harder” but how many of us actually do this? Take a breather by spending quality time with your loved ones, pursuing your passions or going on a holiday (you get annual leave for a reason). Disconnecting from work will recharge you and improve your performance in the long run.  

In summary, work-life balance isn’t as elusive as it may seem. You may feel overwhelmed by your job right now but it only takes a few simple changes and consistent effort to regain control over your work and change the way you feel.