Work-related family problems are often the cause of sick days and stress, found a study performed by three universities and published in a 2006 issue of "Occupational and Environmental Medicine." The study found that when work and family problems collided, there was a higher instance of absenteeism. Not only do work problems affect your family, but they could also put your professional life in jeopardy. Prevent work-related family problems so both work and family get the right amount of attention.
Separate Work and Family
When your professional and personal lives bleed into one another, it can be hard to tell what is appropriate for each. Go to great lengths to make sure that both are kept separate. While at work, don't discuss family problems or plans with your coworkers. If a colleague wants to know about your family, keep it brief and send the message that you'd like to keep it private. Similarly, when you leave the office, leave all of the stress and work behind, without bringing it home and venting to your spouse or children.
Schedule Appointments
You set up unbreakable appointments at work so you can be sure you have the time for all of your duties and responsibilities, yet you likely don't extend that same courtesy with your family. Have scheduled time with your family that's unbreakable, no matter how crazy or stressful work can be. When your boss asks you to stay late, and you know that you've got a scheduled family night, treat it as you would any other appointment and arrange for a different time with your boss.
Learn to Say "No"
Both your work and your family put pressure on you to get things done, but it's okay to say "no," especially when you know that the request will put stress on your family life, notes Helpguide. Evaluate work-related requests. If your supervisor wants to put you on a project that you simply don't have time for, explain the problem and suggest another worker for the job. Saying "no" once in a while can reduce your stress level at home, giving you more quality time to spend together.
Take Time for Yourself
The old adage says that you cannot draw water from an empty well, and the same is true when dealing with work-related family problems, points out Jeffrey Greenhaus, Ph.D., professor at the Drexel University Lebow College of Business. With so many people demanding so much of your time, you can feel frazzled and upset, and not functioning well at any capacity. Find time for yourself each week, take up a hobby or spend time doing something you enjoy. This can help you recharge so you are less stressed at work and more willing to spend time with your family being your best self possible.
