It’s Q4 and peak season; and multiple holidays are just around the corner. Balancing work and life at this time of year can be challenging. You have a lot of things competing for your attention:
- new sales
- quoting
- group enrollments
- renewals
- providing service to existing clients]
- family and business get-togethers
So, what steps can you take to ensure 2025 is a winning year for you and your clients?
Here are five expert strategies for managing peak season and maintaining work-life balance as an insurance professional.
Expert Tips for Work-Life Balance During Peak Season
1. Plan Ahead to Balance Work and Life
Create a Master Calendar. Include work deadlines, family gatherings, business events, your kids’ school happenings, and other commitments. The more you include, the more likely you can avoid double-booking.
Set priorities. Identify what is most important — both professionally and personally. Focus your energy there.
Batch similar tasks. Group like tasks to save time and reduce stress. Focus on one thing at a time (e.g., returning calls, responding to emails, writing holiday cards, etc.).
2. Communicate Boundaries Clearly
At work, let your team and clients know your availability – both ahead of and immediately surrounding holidays. Remember, Q4 includes Halloween (which may be a holiday for some), Veterans’ Day, Thanksgiving, Black Friday (an unofficial holiday for many), Hanukkah, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. You may have clients who celebrate other holidays, too.
Be upfront with your family about work commitments, so they understand when you’ll be available to them (and for school or other activities).
Set boundaries for yourself to avoid being overcommitted. Learn to say “no” when necessary.
3. Delegate and Share Responsibilities
When at work, take every opportunity to delegate tasks to colleagues or other members of your team to lighten your load. That will allow you to focus on things that truly require your input or contribution.
At home, share holiday prep duties with family members or others in town for the holidays. If you love to cook or decorate, make time for it, but don’t overburden yourself.
Suggest potlucks or co-hosting social events to reduce the pressure of planning it all yourself.
4. Leverage Technology to Save Time
Work smarter. Use project management tools. Consider CRM and email automation. Use scheduling apps to stay on top of work tasks – those you’re taking on and those delegated to others.
In preparing for the holidays, you may save time by shopping online and using meal delivery services. Set reminders for important dates like gift exchanges, holiday gatherings, school plays, etc.
Stay connected with loved ones through video conferencing, group chats, or FaceTime. Tech can help you bridge the distance if you can’t attend every event in person.
5. Prioritize Self-Care
Be sure to schedule “me time” throughout the season. Block out time for activities that re-charge you. Consider exercise, massage, reading, and meditation. Or hiking, yoga, spending time with your pet, or sleeping. It’s your choice!
Be realistic in setting goals. Accept that you cannot do everything perfectly on your own. Focus on what truly matters.
Avoid burnout. Take breaks throughout the day – even if it’s just a 10-minute walk around the block or a quick break for your beverage of choice.
Bonus Tip: Partner with Word & Brown
Another tip to help you during Q4 and peak season is “work with Word & Brown.” We’ve been partnering with brokers since 1985, and we’re peak season experts. Our dedicated teams can help you quote more, write more, and renew more. It doesn’t matter whether you’re focused on Small Group, Large Group, or Ancillary business. (We also offer Individual & Family Plan coverage in California.)
Don’t hesitate to contact your W&B rep with questions, or visit our website and register today to learn more.
Best wishes for a successful peak season!
