You probably recognize this as well; the life of an entrepreneur is full of challenges and requires dedication and focus. Driven by passion and in a competitive environment, entrepreneurs often take on a variety of roles. This often leads them to become completely absorbed in their business, with little room for personal time.

Research of TNO shows that 33% of all self-employed individuals in the Netherlands work 41 hours per week or more, and 1 out of 3 Dutch people experience work-related stress.

Both experts and entrepreneurs themselves acknowledge the need of finding a balance between work and personal life to achieve success.

For Rinkel, work-life balance is one of the key elements. Our product is built on this principle because it helps entrepreneurs keep their business and personal lives separate, and it is a key focus within the company. During the Week of Work Stress, we take a moment to reflect on this and are happy to share 6 of our most important tips on how you can achieve a good work-life balance.

The primary reason for stress is high workload with numerous deadlines and targets. You've probably also felt like there's too much to do in too little time. This is quite normal, but it can be very overwhelming.

Research by the WHO has shown that long workweeks of 55 hours or more increase the risk of stroke by 35% and the risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases by 17%.

Additionally, workplace tensions and conflicts can contribute to stress among employees. Difficult bosses or poor relationships among colleagues can cause this.

Lastly, personal factors also play a role in experiencing work-related stress. Perfectionism, personal issues, lack of sleep and so on.

The research ‘De hartslag van Nederland’ by DPG media shows that three-quarters of respondents prefer mental well-being over pursuing a good career. This reflects on the growing awareness among entrepreneurs that happiness and life balance are more important than mere professional success.

Workstress is a common problem and can have man causes, but it also has unpleasant consequences. It can lead to decreased productivity and even employee absenteeism. Therefore, a good work-life balance is crucial to people’s well-being, health and happiness.

Do you want some tips for keeping your work and personal life more separate? Read it here.​​​​​​​

At Rinkel, we understand that a healthy work-life balance is the only sustainable path to success. Below, read what CEO Jeroen has to say about it:

Schedule specific times for responding to emails, WhatsApp messages, or other chat messages, and avoid multitasking to prevent email overload.

Organize your day based on tasks and keep some spare time for unexpected responsibilities. You can choose to create a daily or weekly schedule, but always make sure your schedule is achievable.

Prevent your workday from extending by prioritizing tasks. Place high-priority tasks that need immediate attention at the top of your to-do list and make sure to complete them first.

Utilize tools and AI to reduce recurring tasks that occur daily, weekly, or monthly. The possibilities of AI are truly limitless; explore them here.

Short breaks help clear your mind and recharge your energy. Use your lunch break to relax and recharge, and temporarily set work aside. For example, you could go for a walk or do breathing exercises.

Consider flexible work arrangements that align with your lifestyle. If you are more productive in the evening, then choose to relax in the morning and start your work later.