We are pleased to introduce PA Life’s new Wellness Columnist, Julia Green, Sales & Commercial Manager at Center Parcs Conferences & Events. Julia’s first column in our Winter Issue 2025 discusses the challenges of professionals finding the right balance for your busy life and work – or rather the right work-life blend which seems to be a more useful concept…
For years, we’ve been told to strive for work–life balance. But for EAs and PAs, the
neat picture of scales balancing the two sides rarely matches reality. You’re not
only managing your own responsibilities, you’re the gatekeeper of someone else’s
world.
Why blend, not balance?
Balance suggests two forces in opposition. A blend reflects the truth of a PA or EA’s world: your working day often stretches beyond the traditional 9–5, responding to shifting priorities, lastminute requests, and the unexpected. A blend recognises that some weeks will demand long hours of focus on events, travel, or diary management, while others can leave more space for your own rest, family, or personal goals.
The role of technology in our life & work blend
With smartphones and apps, you can now update a diary, track travel changes, or field emails from anywhere. This is empowering, but also relentless. The trick is to make tech work for you:
• Use scheduling tools to protect buffer time between meetings—for both you and those you support.
• Set clear expectations around communication channels (e.g. WhatsApp for urgent issues only).
• Using productivity tools to manage when and how notifications reach you
The wellbeing and performance link
When assistants protect their blend, everyone benefits. You’re sharper, calmer, and able to anticipate needs more effectively. Research consistently shows that professionals who feel in control of their working patterns are more engaged, less stressed, and more likely to stay with their organisation. In other words, protecting your own wellbeing isn’t indulgent – it directly improves the support you can offer.
Practical hacks
• Diary design: Build in 10–15 minutes of transition time around key meetings. It avoids back-to-back chaos and gives space for prep and recovery.
• Align your rhythm: Where possible, match your work with your exec’s schedule so you reduce duplication and free up pockets of time.
• Protect rituals: Whether it’s a walk at lunch or logging off for family dinner, treat these as immovable appointments.
• Use micro-breaks wisely: Even stepping away for a five-minute reset between tasks can keep your energy steady through a demanding day.
The takeaway
Work–life blend isn’t about perfection it’s about adaptability. Some days will lean heavily toward work, others toward life. The goal is not to feel guilty when the mix shifts and to intentionally design a rhythm that sustains your wellbeing while allowing you to deliver your best. So, this week, experiment: add a buffer, protect a ritual, or switch off a notification.
Small steps in your blend today will pay dividends in resilience and performance
tomorrow.
events.centerparcs.co.uk
