Workplace experts offer these tips to workers to help balance the demands of work and life outside the office:
Plan your family or social life in advance and in detail. Don't just imagine it will work itself out.
Make your time with friends and family a priority. Cleaning your house should be less important than being with your spouse or friends.
Establish a routine around your work hours. Children need predictability.
Stay connected. Leave notes at home for your spouse or children to keep in touch. Check in and have your children check in. Call on your cell phone during breaks.
Establish a tradition on the nights or days you have off, such as going out to dinner together.
If your work hours rotate, communicate with family members or significant others about your schedule. Post a schedule of when you will be eating and sleeping.
Talk to co-workers about how they balance their work and families.
Sleep eight continuous hours in every 24-hour period. You will be happier and easier to get along with.