Raquel Gomes, Founder & CEO of Stafi, shares her journey towards achieving a healthy work-life balance, particularly in the challenging legal industry where women face added pressures. She emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, prioritizing tasks, delegating responsibilities, seeking flexibility and remote work opportunities, as well as focusing on well-being beyond the workplace.
Gomes highlights the struggles faced by women in the legal field, where balancing career demands with personal commitments and family responsibilities can often feel like an uphill battle. She emphasizes the need for clear communication of work hours to manage expectations and discourage after-hours requests. Gomes also advocates for the importance of learning to say no, prioritizing workload or personal commitments, and offering alternative solutions when declining requests.
Prioritizing tasks effectively is crucial for maintaining a balanced work-life environment, according to Gomes. She suggests identifying urgent and important tasks, delegating non-essential work to colleagues or support team members, and practicing effective time management. Leveraging technology, such as daily to-do lists and time-blocking calendars, can enhance productivity and contribute to a healthier work-life balance.
Delegating responsibilities is another key aspect of achieving work-life balance, allowing individuals to effectively manage their workload and focus on priorities at work and home. Gomes encourages delegating non-essential tasks to junior colleagues or support staff, as well as hiring a virtual assistant for administrative tasks. She emphasizes the importance of considering the well-being of those being delegated to, to ensure a healthy work-life balance for everyone involved.
In light of the global Covid-19 pandemic, Gomes points out the emergence of flexible and remote work options that can help mitigate burnout in the legal industry. Negotiating flexible work arrangements and taking advantage of remote work opportunities can promote a positive work-life balance. She suggests exploring flexible office hours, time off instead of overtime, or a four-day workweek aligned with individual needs to craft a tailored proposal.
Lastly, Gomes provides strategies for well-being beyond the work environment, including practicing self-care, building a support network, and prioritizing mental health. She emphasizes the importance of finding joy outside of work through physical activity, mindfulness, good sleep, and eating habits. Gomes recommends seeking mentorship from industry peers and support from therapists or counselors to navigate professional challenges and achieve personal satisfaction alongside professional success.
