Federal Reserve Bank of Boston Work-Life Balance & Wellbeing

What’s your quotable principle for keeping a sustainable work pace — and what signal shows it works?

My guiding principle is: “Work should be demanding, not depleting.” Maintaining a sustainable pace means balancing professional and personal priorities while focusing on what truly matters. 

Consistent, high-quality output without excessive stress is the clearest sign that this approach works. Another sign of its success is the ability of team members to nurture healthy relationships, both personally and professionally. When teams remain motivated and engaged, meet deadlines, and achieve goals without sacrificing their well-being, we know we’re on the right track.

Which policy or norm makes flexible work succeed — and how do you measure impact?

Flexible work thrives on trust and communication. Building a culture of empowerment, supported by clear expectations, ensures alignment and accountability. We measure success through fulfilled commitments, employee satisfaction and feedback, and retention rates. Positive trends in these areas confirm that flexible work practices benefit both individuals and the organization.

Which well-being-related resource do people actually use — and what improvement have you seen on your team?

Our team values situational flexibility. This approach empowers individuals to make choices that support their well-being while balancing personal and professional responsibilities. I’ve seen this practice foster resilience and confidence, enabling team members to adapt without compromising.