Finding your work-life balance in Basingstoke and Deane

A healthy work-life balance looks different for everyone. Whether it's juggling work commitments with family life, managing a demanding workload, or simply finding time for yourself, it's essential to prioritise your wellbeing. We've put together a list of wellbeing resources and some practical tools and tips to help.

Ways to change your working day

Need some help with your time management? Learning platform SEEDL, which is free to local businesses and their employees, runs a course on managing your time.

Perhaps you can turn some of your meetings into walking meetings, enjoying some time in nature and getting your steps in! If you work in Basingstoke town centre you have War Memorial Park, Eastrop Park and Glebe Gardens all within easy reach.

For those working from home, creating a dedicated workspace can make a big difference. If you need a change of scenery we have plenty of coffee shops and co-working spaces locally. Explore our blog for alternative workspaces in the area.

Make time for lunch. A little while ago we put together some ideas of how you could spend your lunch break. Find some lunchbreak inspiration here.

Wellbeing classes and activities

Explore the benefits of mindfulness for stress reduction and work-life balance. We offer free access to businesses and employees within the borough to SEEDL which has a number of courses including establishing a healthy work-life balance and an introduction to mindfulness. You’ll also find plenty of yoga classes in the borough.

Exercise is good for the body and the mind. We have a huge number of participatory sports groups locally from archery to water polo, we are sure there is one for you. You can also find other ways to get active on the Energise Me.

If getting creative is your way of unwinding then explore your passions with a local art class, choir or other activity. Take a look at our Unleash your creative side blog. 

Enjoy the outdoors

Whether it's a lunchtime walk, a family day out or an after-work run, Basingstoke and Deane offers extensive access to nature, with more than a third of the borough designated as Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and three Green Flag parks. Take a read of our guide to discover local walks.

Providing support as an employer

If you are a business leader or manager you could consider organising a wellbeing event or simply by encouraging open conversations about work-life balance. Think about your workplace culture, is it a supportive and inclusive one? You could also:

• Take a look at your flexible working policies - new flexible working laws came into effect last year which mean millions of workers in the UK will have more flexibility over where and when they work. Have you updated your policies?
• Consider your hybrid working policies and procedures. Take a look at this useful information: Hybrid working. 
• Invest in an employee wellbeing programme or review your existing one to ensure it meets the needs of your current workforce. COVID changed the way many of us view our work-life balance but have your policies and support programmes also changed?

Need some more support?

The Mental Health Foundation offers valuable advice on achieving a better work-life balance. If you're facing challenges related to your employment rights, Citizens Advice can provide guidance, we have two in the borough: Tadley and Basingstoke.

Remember, a happy and healthy workforce is a productive one. 

Written October 2025, updated August 2026