Kim Vercoulen
Recruitment Consultant
Let’s face it: working in treasury can be intense. With the important responsibilities of keeping the company financially healthy, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of deadlines and financial decisions. While rewarding, it can also blur the lines between work and personal life. Here’s my thought on how treasury professionals can strive for a healthier work/life balance without compromising their careers.
Set Clear Boundaries and Priorities
One of the first steps to achieving work/life balance is setting clear boundaries. Start by defining your work hours and sharing them with your team so they know when you’re around—and when you’re not. This helps manage expectations and keeps work from creeping into your personal time.
Get comfortable prioritising: what should be done today and what can be done tomorrow? Be upfront about when or if colleagues can reach out to you after hours, and remember—it’s perfectly fine to say no or to delegate if things start piling up.
Embrace Flexibility
Treasury often requires flexibility, make sure it’s a two-way street. You can show flexibility in your work schedule, but does the company offer you flexibility back? Thankfully, more and more companies see the importance of offering flexibility to their employees, as it results in a happy and healthy work environment. When a company values flexibility and respects personal time, it sends a clear message to employees: their well-being matters. This approach doesn’t just create a healthier work environment—it builds motivation and loyalty.
If your organisation offers the option to work from home or adjust your hours, take advantage of it. This flexibility can help you manage personal commitments while still getting your work done. Plus, it can lead to greater job satisfaction and productivity.
Prioritise Self-Care
Don’t forget about yourself! Finding balance means making time for self-care. Whether it’s hitting the gym, enjoying a hobby, or simply taking a break to unwind, prioritise activities that recharge you. Little breaks throughout the day can boost your focus and keep you energised for the tasks ahead.
Use Technology Wisely
Technology can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it helps streamline tasks and keep everything organised. On the other hand, it can make it hard to disconnect from work. Use tech tools that can automate some of your routine tasks, freeing you up for more strategic work. To learn more about how AI is transforming treasury, check out this article: AI in Treasury.
But make sure to switch off those work notifications after hours—your personal time is just as important! For further reading on AI tools that can be used to manage and improve work-life balance, check out this article: Best AI Tools for Maintaining Work-Life Balance.
Create a Supportive Culture
A supportive workplace can make a world of difference. Encourage conversations about workload and stress within your team, especially if you are the manager of a team. Organise team activities, such as work-related workshops or just fun events outside work to improve and uphold a good team spirit. When people feel supported, they tend to thrive, both personally and professionally.
Balancing work and life in the treasury profession takes some effort, but it’s achievable. By setting clear boundaries and priorities, embracing flexibility, prioritising self-care, and using technology wisely, you can create a routine that keeps both your work and personal life on track. Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t just good for you—it also boosts your focus and commitment at work. As you work toward balance, know that even small changes can make a big difference.
Do you want to talk more about the best way to balance your work and professional life? Start a conversation with us on LinkedIn or reach out and schedule a call with one of our consultants.
