Deepika Padukone Advocates For Mental Health, Calls out L&T Chairman: Tips On Managing Work-Life Balance

Deepika Padukone recently criticised SN Subrahmanyan, chairman of Larsen & Toubro (L&T), for promoting a demanding work culture that includes working on Sundays and 90-hour work weeks. She expressed her concern on social media, highlighting the negative impact such attitudes can have on mental health. 

As a mental health advocate who has personally battled depression, Deepika expressed her shock on Instagram, stating, "Shocking to see people in such senior positions make such statements," and added the hashtag #MentalHealthMatters. Her comments highlight the ongoing debate about work-life balance and mental health in corporate culture. 

Tips on Managing Work-Life Balance

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is very important for overall well-being and productivity. In today's fast-paced world, where work demands can often spill into personal time, finding equilibrium can be challenging. However, with intentional strategies by our expert Nanda Botadkar, a Business Coach from Mumbai, you can aim for professional success and personal fulfilment. 

Here are some effective tips to help you manage work-life balance. 

• Honour the Human Experience: Stress is a natural response, not a weakness. Foster an environment where emotions can be acknowledged and validated without fear of judgment. This authentic connection cultivates trust and psychological safety. 
• Engage in Hobbies: Dedicate time to personal interests outside of work. Engaging in hobbies can help you relax and rejuvenate.
• Pause for Micro-Resets: A single intentional moment can shift the day. Encourage small actions, take a mindful breath, jot down three things you’re grateful for, or enjoy a favourite song. These resets help recalibrate focus and restore energy during high-pressure moments.
• Prioritise Tasks: Create a to-do list and focus on high-priority tasks first. This approach fosters a sense of accomplishment and control over your workload.
• Empower Individual Recharge Rituals: Support your team in discovering personal strategies that ground them whether it’s a brisk walk, a quiet moment with a journal, or simply stepping away to reset.
• Delegate When Necessary: Don’t hesitate to delegate tasks at work to avoid being overwhelmed.
• Be Assertive About Saying No: Learn to decline additional responsibilities that could disrupt your work-life balance.
• Lead with Empathy and Action: Balance care with clarity. Regular check-ins that address both emotional well-being and operational needs demonstrate genuine leadership and inspire confidence.

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Innovative Ideas for Work-Life Balance

As workplaces evolve, innovative strategies can help create an environment that supports both professional responsibilities and personal fulfilment. Here are some creative ideas to enhance work-life balance for both the employees and the employers. 

• Synchronous Vacations: Have the entire company or department take a break together to help employees disconnect without pressure to check-in. 
• Anonymous Work Planning: Remove names from project plans to reduce bias and favouritism.
• Team-Building Exercises: Organise off-site activities like escape rooms or trust exercises to strengthen team bonds.
• Mental Health Days: Allow paid days off specifically for self-care and mental health.
• Financial Well-Being Programs: Offer resources and seminars for financial planning.
• Communication Apps: Use apps to pause notifications, set an "out of office" status, and schedule messages for work hours.
• Home Office Stipends: Provide financial support for remote workers to create an effective home office setup.
• Health and Wellness Challenges: Organise friendly competitions focused on fitness, mindfulness, or healthy eating.

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Takeaway

Implementing these strategies can create a healthier balance between professional responsibilities and personal life, ultimately improving overall well-being. It's crucial for everyone to take breaks and prioritise personal time. If you encounter difficulties in managing your time or mental health, seeking guidance from a healthcare professional is always recommended.