Family and Relationships: Work/Life Balance as a Public Safety Personnel

Work-life balance for Public Safety Personnel means managing time and stress in demanding roles to maintain well-being, not splitting time equally but feeling fulfilled in both work and personal life.

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There are often two main aspects associated for PSP with work-life balance – the first is lack of time and scheduling conflicts, and the other is feeling overwhelmed, overloaded or stressed by the pressures of their role. Balance is not necessarily about splitting time equally, but rather that the individual feels fulfilled and content with both aspects of their life.  PSP often have demanding shiftwork, which can make it challenging to have a work-life balance. Work-life conflict occurs when the overall demands of work and personal roles are incompatible in some respect making participation in one role more difficult by participation in the other role.

Types of Work/Life Conflicts

There are four categories associated with work-life balance that PSP may relate to:

Role overload: This form of work-life conflict occurs when the total demands on time and energy associated with the prescribed activities of multiple roles are too great to perform the roles adequately or comfortably.

Work-to-family interference: This type of role conflict occurs when work demands and responsibilities make it more difficult to fulfill family-role responsibilities (e.g., long work hours prevent attendance at a child's sporting event, preoccupation with the work role prevents an active enjoyment of family life, work stresses spill over into the home environment and increase conflict with the family).

Family-to-work interference: This type of role conflict occurs when family demands and responsibilities make it more difficult to fulfill work-role responsibilities (e.g., a child's illness prevents attendance at work, conflict at home makes concentration at work difficult).

Caregiver strain: Caregiver strain is a multi-dimensional construct defined in terms of "burdens" in the caregivers' day-to-day lives, which can be attributed to the need to provide care or assistance to someone else who needs it.

Why is it important to maintain a good work-life balance for PSP?

PSP can be affected differently based on factors such as frequency and duration of work, the nature of the job or role, roles outside of work, etc.

When a PSP must spend more time at work, they may experience any combination of the following:

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders, including the impacts of psychosocial factors

Occupational injuries

Fatigue

Burnout

Poor mental health effects such as stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, etc.

Job dissatisfaction

Absenteeism

Lower quality of work

Challenges for PSP and work/life balance

PSP usually face challenges incorporating or practicing work-life balance due to feeling guilty, shame, fear of perceived as ‘weak’, etc. For PSP to practice work-life balance can also be challenging because of the demand/stress their role requires. ]Work-life balance can be achieved for PSP when the organization they work for already has good policies in place to implement and encourage such practices, or PSP establish this lifestyle by creating a balance on their own, which is not always easy due to the nature of the job they do.

Strategies to incorporate work/life balance in a PSP lifestyle

PSP can improve their work-life balance by setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and utilizing available resources. This includes establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life, making time for activities outside of work, and utilizing resources like mental health support and wellness programs. 

Set Boundaries: Clearly define work hours and personal time. Turn off work notifications when off-duty and create a post-shift transition routine to mentally disengage from work.

Prioritize Self-Care: Make time for physical and mental well-being. This includes regular exercise, sufficient sleep, a nutritious diet, and engaging in hobbies.

Utilize Available Resources: Take advantage of mental health support, wellness programs, and employee assistance programs offered by their department.

Communicate: Communicate boundaries with colleagues and family to ensure they understand availability.

Seek Support: Don't hesitate to seek help from peer support groups, family, and friends.

Time Management: Prioritize tasks, manage time efficiently, and create a schedule that allocates time for work and personal life.

Flexible Work Arrangements: If possible, explore options like flexible schedules or remote work to reduce stress and improve work-life balance.

Leadership Support: Public safety organizations can foster a work-life balance culture by providing mental health support, physical wellness programs, and promoting a positive work environment.

Resources:

Peer Support – Badge of Life Canada

Boots on the Ground | Peer Support for First Responders

REFERENCES

Canadian Health for Occupational Health and Safety. (October 5, 2024). Work-Life Balance. Canadian Health for Occupational Health and Safety. Retrieved on May 28, 2025, from, https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/psychosocial/worklife_balance.html

Dubord, N. (February 10, 2025). The Fallacy of work-life balance: Why work-life balance integration is the real solution. Canada’s Law Enforcement Magazine: BLUELINE. Retrieved on May 28, 2025, from, https://www.blueline.ca/the-fallacy-of-work-life-balance-why-work-life-integration-is-the-real-solution/