Zoltan Vadkerti is a single 30-something based in Brussels. He is Hungarian and studied economics in both Hungary and The Netherlands before he moved to Brussels and co-founded the Worklife HUB*. He is a marathon runner which gives him plenty of time to reflect on many topics including work-life. His point of view – which spans countries and organizations – is fascinating.
Throughout his education, volunteer work, and professional positions, Zoltan has always maintained a focus on work, workers, and working – and the improvement of these for others. This has been key to his success – utter focus and attention on what he is most passionate about.
In addition to his volunteer work in India, in NGOs, for Greenpeace, and other organizations, he has always held out for jobs and positions where he can be most influential and have the biggest impact. He has limited time – as do we all – and he wants to make the very best of investing it. He believes the most effective workplaces are those that provide an open supportive work environment in which workers can make free choices about when and how they work. He says there are three necessities for work-life integration and fulfillment. He calls these pillars:
First, know yourself and determine your goals, aims, and what you want to achieve.
Second, be aware and informed about your social rights and policies regarding employment, holiday time, vacation time, and the like.
Third, communicate and present yourself and your ideas effectively. If you know your goals and yourself, you can establish more effective communication channels with employers, trade unions, and other organizations in order to ensure work-life integration.
Zoltan keeps his work separate from the other aspects of his life. He plays sports and regularly completes marathons(!). In addition, he volunteers by campaigning for social causes and optimizing social media platforms to these ends. He is firm about separating work from life, including his sleep. He stops working at least an hour before bed, and never works in the bedroom.
What additional advice does Zoltan offer? Pursue your passions and be sure that every moment you invest now and in the short term is aligned with what you want in the long term. “It works!” he says. His success and influence are evidence that he is right. After all, life is a marathon, not a sprint.
*The Worklife HUB focuses on research and consulting that help individuals and organizations create workplaces in which employees can thrive.
Would you like to tell your story? If so, let me know by emailing me at tbrower108@gmail.com. Why? One of the foundations of Bringing Work to Life is abundance: the idea that it is possible to find fulfillment, have it all, and avoid the trade-offs between work and life. After all, work and life aren’t separate things to be placed in containers, but part of an integrated whole of a satisfying life. Another foundation of Bringing Work to Life is the idea of multiple right answers. As we’re all seeking ways to bring work to life – and bring life to work – we can learn from each other’s unique solutions and stories. I’d love to learn about your story!
Tracy Brower is the author of Bring Work to Life by Bringing Life to Work: A Guide for Leaders and Organizations.