Work Life Balance In The
Family Business

Reinforcing the lines between the family and the business can be difficult and even more so during the holiday season.  There is always the inclination to talk about work 24/7, yet there is always one family member that can’t let go and continues to bring up business issues long into the night while others watch their favorite TV program and enjoys a glass of wine.  These conversations almost never end up well.  Limiting all business conversations to business hours (8am – 6pm) are always more productive.

Sometimes it is unrealistic to make discussions about the business limited to business hours. For many of us our business is separated from our home life and if we have a bad day we go home and vent to our spouse/significant other and get the sympathy we are looking for.  But in a family business this can be challenging and the challenge can be taken to a whole new level.

Many of the conflicts in a family business occur because the communication lines between personal and professional are blurred.  Keep in mind your business is a separate entity from the family regardless of how much it means to you therefore family members feel they have the right to discuss business issues or family issues regardless of the time of day or night.

Picture yourself at Christmas dinner.  Would you like the discussion to be about the business?  This is a time for family, for the family to enjoy and not get bogged down with business issues.  Yet, the inclination in a family business is to talk about work at all hours making it more challenging unless boundaries have been set.

So how can you overcome the family landmine and enjoy the holidays leaving the business discussions at the workplace?

Don’t discuss business after 6pm – “The office is closed.” Even though this is a serious challenge for some family members it’s so important to separate your family life from your business life and set real boundaries.  It’s that simple!

Have regular meetings and set the structure to implement boundaries.  Weekly management meetings will open the lines for clear and effective communication.  This will help everyone understand objectives, define roles, and have clarity thus reducing anxiety and the unknowns.

Remember business is business — don’t take it home with you.