In today’s rapidly evolving work environment, the gap between expectations and reality is widening, especially in sales. With only 42% of companies meeting their sales quotas in 2023 and an alarming 92% of employees feeling disengaged, it’s clear that something is off. Predictions for 2024 aren’t any brighter, signaling that the traditional ways of managing work-life balance no longer cut it.

Now that there’s no more line between our personal and professional life – there’s just life; most people, including managers, are struggling to redesign their approach to success, leaving them unprepared for the challenges of this new era. Now, more than ever, a reset is necessary—one that begins with honest reflection and a commitment to aligning work with life, rather than the other way around, all by asking the right questions.

That’s why these 12 questions will enable you to self-reflect so you can focus on what matters most. When statistics show that over 40% of people log into work after hours during their personal time, you’re either designing your life around your work, or your work around your life. Choose wisely.

Here’s a coaching talk track to begin this conversation by setting your positive intent.

“What I want for you is to feel that you’re staying productive, while still honoring the priorities in your life without sacrifice. With the extreme change around how we live and work, it’s easy to feel isolated and uncertain about the future. I know I’ve been struggling in certain areas around life balance and time management. That’s why I wanted to discuss how I can best support you so that you’re feeling productive and connected to the team, the company, and to your career goals and opportunities, while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. And I’d love to hear how you’re managing all the change as well. Are you open to talking about this now?”

These questions will help adjust and re-align our careers and the business landscape around our life to create your new definition of life balance. In addition, this will develop a deeper, more authentic and engaged connection with your team.

1. What’s working well for you so far?

2. What are you struggling with most, if anything?

3. How are you managing and balancing your personal responsibilities and priorities, while staying productive at work?

4. Walk me through how you’re currently managing your day? Can you send me a screenshot of what your daily routine looks like so we can compare how we both manage our day and learn from each other?

5. How have you set boundaries and expectations with your family when you’re working at home to ensure you’re productive and not distracted?

6. What’s your self-care regimen? (Physically, mentally) How much time are you spending each day taking care of you? (Exercise, meditation, taking a walk, getting out of your house/workspace each day? The health benefits of getting outside are priceless.)

7. How are you turning off work at the end of the day so you can be present with your family and yourself?

8. What did you assume would be easy about this transition but was more challenging than you thought?

9. What can you do to stay connected to me and the team so that you don’t feel alone or isolated?

10. What’s your preferred method of communication?

11. How often do you want to connect/schedule one on ones? What cadence works best for you?

12. How can I best support you to create a productive, rewarding, and supportive workplace that would ensure you’re achieving your business goals while honoring your lifestyle, core values, personal goals, and priorities?

Redefining the balance between work and life is not just about hitting goals at work and home; it’s about creating a sustainable, fulfilling path today and forward. By asking the right questions and engaging in authentic conversations, managers can help their teams (and themselves) realign their priorities, stay connected, and achieve success without burning out.

The future of work demands this level of intentionality, where productivity thrives alongside well-being. Now’s the time to reflect, reset, and ensure that the way forward leads to both personal and professional growth. Choose wisely; your success depends on it.