Rethinking success: A new era of work-life balance, boundaries, and coaching
In a time when hustle culture is being reexamined, and mental wellness is finally taking the spotlight, the way we define “success” in the auto care industry is shifting. It is no longer just about promotions, productivity, or the size of one’s paycheck; it is also about creating workplaces where people feel fulfilled, supported, and proud to belong. Emotional well-being, work-life balance, and meaningful relationships are no longer optional—they are becoming essential to running a sustainable, high-performing business. As we navigate this cultural evolution, work-life balance, setting boundaries, and adopting a coaching mindset are essential pillars of a healthy, sustainable career and workplace.
Work-life balance: More than a buzzword
Work-life balance is not just a cliché—it is the foundation of a fulfilling coexistence between personal fulfillment and professional ambition. Yet, many people do not even realize their lives have become out of balance. The simple yet profound question “Do you work to live or live to work?” can be a powerful catalyst for self-reflection.
Achieving balance also requires rethinking the traditional culture of success. It is not about sacrificing family dinners for late-night emails or trading vacations for overtime. Instead, it is about creating a lifestyle where success includes being present for loved ones, having space for personal growth, and leaving behind memories beyond the workplace.
Building a workplace worth staying in
Organizations have a decisive role to play in supporting this cultural shift. The most magnetic workplaces are those where people thrive rather than survive. While conducting honest engagement surveys is a start, action must follow for employees to feel heard if they express discontent.
Companies that prioritize well-being often see boosts in morale and retention. A great example comes from a company that adopted a four-day workweek during the pandemic, which stuck due to its effectiveness. As a result of the four-day workweek, many companies found that productivity increased, and employees became more efficient, decisive, and protective of their time. When people are given the space to rest, they return to work more focused and engaged.
Boundaries as a productivity tool
Boundaries are not walls—they are tools for efficiency. Unfortunately, though, many employees blur the lines between work and personal time, answering emails on weekends or scheduling meetings during family time. Not only does this lead to burnout, but it also impacts job satisfaction and creativity.
Empowering employees to set boundaries, such as pausing notifications, establishing email response windows, or owning their calendars, can significantly increase productivity. Encouraging leaders to model these behaviours is equally essential. For example, when a CEO unapologetically leaves at five p.m. every Tuesday for date night, it sends a message to employees that personal time matters.
Coaching culture: From managing to mentoring
Transitioning from managing to mentoring may be one of the most effective tools against burnout. Traditional management focuses on performance metrics and control. Coaching, by contrast, emphasizes empowerment, growth, and problem-solving.
Coaching does not mean having all the answers—it means asking the right questions. Encouraging employees to take ownership of their development helps them become more resilient, accountable, and engaged. It is the difference between giving someone a fish and teaching them how to fish.
Furthermore, a coaching culture helps leaders step back and trust their teams, creating room for innovation and collaboration. And as successful athletes thrive on feedback, embrace obstacles, and learn from failure, so too can employees. Coaching fosters those same traits, helping individuals tap into their full potential.
Driving for growth, success, and balance
Ultimately, no one wants their legacy to be defined solely by late-night emails or back-to-back weekend meetings. In an industry as dynamic and demanding as the auto care sector, it is crucial we remember that life is finite. Our legacy lies not only in the milestones we achieve but in the lives we influence along the way.
Whether you are a technician reflecting on your work-life balance, a shop owner redefining what success looks like, or an executive shaping workplace culture, now is the time to ask: Are we fostering careers that are meaningful and organizations that people want to grow with?
This blog has been based on CARFAX Canada’s National Sales Manager – Aftermarket, Charles Fordjour’s presentation, Balancing the scales: Time management and burnout prevention for leaders, at the 2025 Canadian Auto Care Industry Conference.