With thanks to all who participated, here are the results of this past weekend’s poll. Our focus:

Do you feel you have a healthy work-life balance?

44% of readers have it under control, compared with 20% in 2015  … and 24% of this year’s respondents say they have a healthy balance most of the time, even though there are exceptions. At the other end of the spectrum, 32% of this year’s respondents say they don’t have such balance in their lives – and this is up from 24% in 2015.

60% of respondents say their office culture supports a healthy work-life balance 24% That’s down slightly from 2015, but the percentage of readers with contrary views is also down from last year.

How to achieve balance? Think about commanding respect, setting boundaries (with your employer and yourself), and scheduling yourself in to your own day. Read on for a look at your peers’ suggestions, and see which approaches can work for you.

 THE DATA: YOUR RESPONSES

Do you feel you have a healthy work-life balance?

• Yes:  44% of respondents, compared to 20% in 2015
• Most of the time, but there are exceptions: 24% of respondents, compared to 56% in 2015
• No: 32% of respondents, compared to 24% in 2015

Do you think your office culture supports a healthy work-life balance?

• Yes: 60% of respondents, compared to 65% in 2015
• No: 28% of respondents, compared to 35% in 2015
• 12% of respondents selected “Other”. Comments included the following.
  • “On paper and in theory, yes. “In reality, expectations don’t mesh.”
  • “Sometimes – it is encouraged; but difficult to do”
  • “Not intentionally”

I asked readers who have work-life balance under control to share their tips. Here’s what they said.

• Ask yourself which is more important: personal life, or your job?
• Remember that most matters, even if they seem pressing, can wait.
• Schedule in walks/lunch breaks – and then take them.
• Make yourself a priority.
• It’s just working for me!
• Do not bring work home. Walk home after work. Take breaks during work hours.
• Everything goes in my work diary – exercise classes, appointments and stick to it.
• Pick (work for) a company that supports it
• Leave the office at the office when you leave for the day
• I work three days per week in a job share arrangement.
• Prioritise workload. Lists, lists, and more lists – and do not feel guilty about (sic)
• Set boundaries with your employers. Be flexible and they will respect you.
• Use Outlook to schedule/reinforce intent to leave the office at a reasonable hour.
• Leave the office early whenever possible to compensate for overtime.