Brigid Schulte - Overcoming Overwork with Strategies for a Balanced Life

Big Careers, Small Children

Can we truly have thriving careers without sacrificing family life?

In this episode, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Brigid Schulte, author of Overworked: Transforming the Daily Grind in the Quest for a Better Life, about the pervasive issue of overwork and its impact on individuals and families.

Brigid emphasises the importance of redefining what success looks like in the workplace, advocating for a shift from measuring productivity by hours spent to valuing meaningful output.

They discuss practical steps for individuals to take, even in unsupportive environments, highlighting the need for boundaries and prioritising what truly matters. The episode offers insights into how both personal choices and organisational changes can foster a healthier work-life balance, ultimately benefiting everyone involved.

We hope you enjoy the conversation.

Show Notes:

• Brigid's book Overworked is now available in bookshops and via Amazon.
• Connect with Brigid on LinkedIn.

In this episode you will learn:

• Work culture often rewards overwork and long hours, negatively impacting family time and well-being.
• Individuals should define their values and prioritise what truly matters to them at work.
• Leadership beliefs significantly shape workplace culture, influencing policies around work-life balance.
• Organisations should measure success not just by output, but also by employee well-being.
• Small changes at work, like asking for flexible hours, can lead to significant personal benefits.
• Creating a supportive work environment requires collaboration with employees to understand their needs.

Our multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowships support parents committed to career growth while enjoying family life. Expertly designed to keep parents on the leadership path, our programme tackles gender pay gap issues and empowers parents to thrive. Learn more here: Leaders Plus Fellowship.

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More BCSC episodes we think you'll love:

• Dr. Malissa Clark - How to Set Boundaries as a Workaholic & Learn to be More Present as a Parent
• Jane Green - How to Approach Your Employer for Reduced Working Days and Tips on Transitioning to a Flexible Role