Balancing Work and Life in the Logistics Industry: Insights from the Mariner Team

A few weeks ago, our CEO Scott Auslund left this comment on LinkedIn:

"P.S. your paper net worth won't hug you when you get home from a business trip; your family will. Structure your life accordingly."

Given the fast-paced and demanding nature of the logistics industry, this statement resonated deeply with many of us at Mariner. As most of you can likely attest to, our responsibilities often bleed into our non-work hours.

The Challenge of Balance in Logistics

The logistics industry is known for its unpredictability. Late shipments, urgent customer requests, and last-minute route changes are just a few of the challenges that can extend our workdays and spill into our personal time. This constant state of flux makes it difficult to maintain a clear boundary between work and personal life.

A handful of our team members took time to share their experiences and strategies for managing this balance. Their insights highlight both the unique challenges we face in logistics and the universal struggle to achieve a healthy work-life balance. We realize that some roles are easier to balance. For example, Angela on the freight audit side has an easier time than Meghan on the ops team. Then there are unique roles that fluctuate. For example, large IT projects disrupt Kurt's typical work-life balance.

Strategies for Limiting Work Intrusion

1. Setting Boundaries: Many team members emphasize the importance of setting firm boundaries. For example, Designating specific times for checking emails and turning off work notifications during personal time helps ensure that work does not encroach on family moments.
2. Prioritizing Tasks: Focusing on high-priority tasks and learning to delegate effectively can prevent work from becoming overwhelming. By managing time efficiently during work hours, our team members are able to reduce the likelihood of work spilling over into personal time.
3. Hybrid Work Schedules: The adoption of hybrid work schedules has been a game-changer for many in our team. Working from home a few days a week allows for greater flexibility and can make it easier to manage personal responsibilities alongside work commitments. Full-time at-home positions can have the opposite effect because their job is always home with them.
4. Taking Breaks: Short, regular breaks throughout the workday can improve productivity and prevent burnout. Whether it's a quick walk, a workout, or simply stepping away from the computer, these breaks help maintain mental and physical well-being.
5. Open Communication: Encouraging open communication within the team about workload and stress levels helps leadership equally distribute work so no one feels overwhelmed. A supportive work environment where colleagues can share their challenges and seek help fosters a healthier balance.

Is This Struggle Unique to Logistics?

While the logistics industry certainly has its unique pressures, the struggle to balance work and personal life is universal. Industries across the board face similar challenges, and the strategies we use can often be applied elsewhere. However, the constant demand for real-time problem-solving and the 24/7 nature of logistics can make it feel particularly acute in our field.

At Mariner, we believe in the importance of recognizing these challenges and actively seeking ways to address them. As Scott Auslund wisely reminded us, our true wealth lies not in our financial success, but in the moments we share with our loved ones.

By sharing our experiences and strategies, we hope to foster a culture that values both professional success and personal fulfillment. We invite you to join the conversation and share your own tips and insights on maintaining a healthy work-life balance on LinkedIn and tag Mariner in your post!  Together, we can create a more balanced and supportive environment for everyone.