Germany is known for its work ethic and high productivity levels which can make achieving work-life harmony a challenge for many individuals. However, striking a healthy balance between work and life is becoming an increasingly important topic in Germany as people are recognising the need for a more harmonious and fulfilling life.
Work-life harmony is all about creating a lifestyle that enables you to pursue your professional goals while also maintaining healthy personal relationships, fulfilling hobbies, and a healthy lifestyle. Achieving this can be challenging, but it’s essential for your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. From cultural norms and work laws to health and wellness initiatives, Germany is a country that lets you experience the beauty of professional and personal life every day.
Read on to find out how to strike a balance between your job and your personal life in Germany and how you can achieve a balanced and fulfilling existence.
What’s the importance of work-life harmony?
The concept of work-life harmony and the need to set boundaries between different aspects of our lives have become significant in today’s fast-moving world. Many individuals struggle to maintain a balance between their work obligations and personal life, which can lead to stress, burnout, and a decrease our overall well-being.
Better health, improved focus and productivity, and healthy relationships are the benefits of achieving a good balance.
Taking the time to prioritise self-care, exercise, and relaxation can help to reduce stress and improve physical and mental health. When you invest time and energy into your relationships, whether it’s spending time with family and friends or pursuing hobbies and interests, you can improve your sense of connection and happiness. This, in turn, can lead to better relationships with those around us, creating a positive cycle of well-being and fulfilment.
Furthermore, a good work-life balance can increase productivity. When you have a fulfilling life outside of work, you’re more likely to feel energised and motivated when you’re at work. By taking the time to recharge and pursue your interests, you can improve your focus which leads to better productivity and success in your professional life.
You can create a meaningful life by aligning your values and priorities with your professional goals.
What’s the German approach to work-life harmony?
The German work culture is based on the principle that when individuals are happy, healthy, and fulfilled, they are more likely to contribute positively to their communities and the world around them. By prioritising work-life harmony, Germany has created a culture that values well-being and encourages individuals to pursue their passions and interests.
Germany also has a ‘German Work of Hours Act’ designed to protect the rights and well-being of workers in Germany. According to this, the maximum working time for employees is eight hours per day and 48 hours per week. In addition to limiting working hours, employees are entitled to a minimum of 30 minutes of rest time for every six hours worked.
Additionally, employees must be granted 11 hours of rest time between each working day. Employers are also required to compensate employees for overtime, either through extra pay or additional time off.
German employees also get adequate holiday allowance including parental leave. Parental leave is an unpaid break which you can take for up to three years to take care of your child. It is the parent’s choice whether to work part-time or not work at all during parental leaves. As a new parent, you can apply for a parental allowance from the government which can range from 300 to 1800 euros each month.
The German work culture is also based on the idea of community which values cooperation and teamwork. This has helped Germany become one of the world’s leading economies with a perfect balance between work and personal life.
How to achieve work-life harmony?
Balancing your career demands and personal life is what you need to achieve work-life harmony. The first step to reaching this is to be present and not overthink what happens tomorrow. Concentrate on what needs to be done today, be fully engaged in everything you do, and most importantly keep work commitments to your work hours rather than working when spending time with your loved ones.
Set your priorities and dedicate your time and energy accordingly so that nothing gets left behind. Build a tribe of people around you who can help you navigate through various experiences in life and work. If you are facing difficulties focusing, try techniques such as the Pomodoro technique. Harmonise your time and energy and you will strike the perfect balance.
Being a part of the German work environment is a great way to experience good work-life harmony. If you feel this could be the right system for you to study in, check out the programmes at the University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE), Germany which opens the door to several opportunities in Germany.
UE offers various programmes in business, technology and the arts, and follows a practice-oriented curriculum that prepares you for the challenges of the highly competitive job market. The dual study programmes are also an opportunity to integrate your academic learning with practical experience.
Enrol in a study programme at UE today – click here to find out more.