1. Introduce myself
Pam Vallely
29th October 2014
The Work-Life Balance

2. Plan Brief Introduction from me – 15 mins. Discussion groups – 30 mins
Feedback and group discussion – 30 mins
Toolkit
John Sulston

3. Pam Vallely
John Sulston

4. My Roles… Associate Dean in FMHS
Academic Lead for Microbiology & Virology Unit
Professor – Research & Teaching (Medical Virology)
External – Examiner, National Healthcare Science Committees, Society Exec. Member, Journal Editorial Board etc.
John Sulston

5. My Roles… Mum Foster Mum Wife Daughter Sister Friend Dog Owner
Caravan Owner
John Sulston

6. Signs & Symptoms
You’ve given up sports/hobbies/pastimes you used to love
Work causes family arguments
You forget/no time to eat lunch
You can’t bear to be parted from your phone/laptop…even at bedtime!
You sometimes forget family birthdays/anniversaries
You’ve lost touch with friends you enjoy seeing
You
WiFi is your most important holiday destination criteria..
Longer and longer working hours..
John Sulston

7. So what…? Decreased productivity
Physical toll; stress, tiredness, poor diet, lack of exercise, ill health, depression
Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, prescription drugs, illegal drugs..
Possibly….Burn out!
A loss of sense of purpose in undertaking work
Negative or cynical attitudes towards colleagues or students
Avoiding contact with colleagues
Reliance on rules and procedures rather than use of creative thought
Presenteeism
John Sulston

8. Let’s discuss… 1. What factors contribute to work-life imbalance?
2. Can an organisation grow without staff who work long hours?
3. Can my career flourish if I’m not prepared to work long hours?
What can the University do to help?
What can I do to help myself and others?
John Sulston

9. Feedback and Group Discussion
John Sulston

10. Work-Life Balance Tips
1. Reboot;
Remind yourself why you became an academic in the first place
Create your own personal definition of success
2. Set some boundaries and stick to them
3. Schedule time with family and friends
4. Take regular exercise
5. Find ways to switch off mentally
6. Watch for signs of burn-out
7. Investigate ways to work smarter
8. Take regular short breaks
9. Get some perspective by talking to a mentor
John Sulston

11. Work-Life Balance Toolkit
Stress at Work Policy
Wellbeing Agenda
Hell to Heaven
John Sulston

12. What happens now…?
John Sulston