How to Answer: How do you balance work and personal life with a home-based office?
5. How do you balance work and personal life with a home-based office?
How to Answer
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance can be a significant challenge for employees. The interviewer wants to know that you can handle the often tricky balance associated with having an office inside of your home. It's a valid concern for employers when considering the introduction of a work-from-home role.
You want to show the interviewer that you work hard and are flexible with your time when needed, but you also want to avoid looking like a workaholic. Gone are the days where being a workaholic is a selling factor for employers. Most companies now agree that the workaholic mentality is an unhealthy practice that leads to burnout and high employee turnover.
Show that you are cooperative and willing to do what it takes to get the job done without putting yourself into an agreement that you will regret. When you respond, be true to yourself and answer in a way that you can commit to, should you be hired.
Answer Example
"I am completely present during work hours, and outside of work hours, give my all to my family. However, I do work in the evenings and weekends when we need an extra push on a project. To ensure that I do not burn out or ever feel overwhelmed with my work volume, I keep a healthy balance by giving myself a dedicated lunch break where I take a walk outside and refresh my eyes from looking at the computer. On weekends, I turn email notifications off on my phone, but my boss is aware that she can reach me through text message if an emergency comes through. In short, I can jump into work whenever necessary while also being mindful of my need for personal rejuvenation."