Correctional officers face unique challenges in their profession, often working in high-stress environments with demanding schedules. Like every professional, achieving a healthy work-life balance is essential for your overall well-being and job satisfaction. However, achieving a healthy work-life balance can prove to be difficult for correctional officers due to the nature of their work. A correctional officer’s schedule can be demanding, with most correctional officers facing mandatory overtime at some point in their careers. For this reason and more, it’s important for correctional officers to adopt strategies to help them achieve a healthy work-life balance.
How many hours do correctional officers work?
A Correctional officer’s schedule is typically a full-time schedule that consists of rotating shifts, including evenings, weekends and holidays. However, the exact number of hours worked can vary depending on the facility, jurisdiction and specific shift patterns.
In general, correctional officers often work 8 to 12-hour shifts. Some facilities may have a 40-hour workweek with five 8-hour shifts, while others may have longer shifts, such as four 10-hour shifts or three 12-hour shifts, resulting in a 40-hour workweek as well.
Additionally, due to the nature of their work and the need for round-the-clock security and supervision, correctional officers may be required to work overtime or be on call for emergencies. This can extend their work hours beyond the regular shift length.
In recent years, however, correctional facilities across the nation have experienced staff shortages. Not only do the staff shortages cause an increased amount of stress for correctional officers, but they also cause issues related to inmate and staff safety. With less staff, those who are working must work longer hours, which can negatively impact both inmates and the staff.
While there is no simple solution to addressing staffing shortages at jails and prisons, here are strategies that may help correctional staff achieve a better work-life balance.
Correctional officers can achieve work-life balance by prioritizing self-care
Self-care is crucial for maintaining physical and mental well-being. Correctional officers should prioritize activities that promote relaxation and stress reduction. Regular exercise, sufficient sleep and a nutritious diet are fundamental aspects of self-care. Engaging in hobbies, spending quality time with loved ones and pursuing personal interests outside of work can also contribute to overall life satisfaction, which can ultimately lead to creating a better work-life balance.
In order to break down the barriers discussed earlier in this article, police leaders should always be part of the mental health conversation. By keeping the law enforcement mental health conversation alive, officers who are silently struggling may feel encouraged to discuss their private struggles with their peers and leaders. Supporting mental health for police officers is one of the best things that law enforcement leaders can do for their departments.
Correctional officers can establish clear boundaries between their work and their personal lives
Setting boundaries is essential in maintaining a healthy work-life balance, regardless of your profession. Correctional officers should clearly define their working hours and strive to adhere to them as much as possible. Due to the demanding nature of a correctional officer’s schedule, it’s crucial to resist the temptation to bring work-related stress and concerns home. By establishing boundaries, officers can create dedicated time for themselves and their families, allowing them to recharge and reconnect with their personal lives.
Correctional officers can seek support systems to use as an outlet for sharing experiences
Building a strong support network is crucial for correctional officers to cope with the challenges they face. Connecting with colleagues who understand the unique demands of the profession can provide a valuable outlet for sharing experiences and seeking advice. Additionally, seeking support from family, friends or professional counselors can offer emotional support and guidance, helping officers navigate work-related stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
By utilizing support systems, correctional officers may be able to establish clearer boundaries between their work and their personal lives. According to this study, correctional officers who believe their work resulted in arguments at home experience higher levels of job stress and lower levels of job satisfaction than those officers who did not perceive such conflicts at home. For these reasons and more, it’s important for correctional officers to seek support systems to help navigate work-related stress to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Correctional officers should utilize available resources to achieve a healthy work-life balance
Correctional institutions often provide resources and programs aimed at supporting the well-being of their staff. Officers should actively seek out and utilize these resources, such as employee assistance programs, counseling services or stress management workshops. Taking advantage of these offerings can provide valuable tools and techniques for managing stress and promoting work-life balance.
Correctional officers should try to communicate openly and honestly with their supervisors
Open communication is essential in any workplace, and correctional facilities are no exception to this. Correctional officers should feel comfortable discussing their work-life balance concerns with their supervisors or human resources departments. By expressing their needs and concerns, officers may find solutions or adjustments that can help them achieve a better balance. This could include flexible scheduling options, shift rotations, or opportunities for professional development that align with personal goals.
Planning time off will help correctional officers maintain a better work-life balance
Taking regular time off is crucial for correctional officers to recharge and rejuvenate. Officers should make use of their vacation days and schedule regular breaks to ensure they have dedicated time for themselves and their families. Disconnecting from work during these periods is vital to allow for true relaxation and the restoration of energy.
The bottom line
Correctional officers face unique challenges at their jobs, which can ultimately affect their work-life balance. However, by setting clear boundaries, prioritizing self-care, developing effective time management skills, utilizing support systems and taking advantage of available resources, correctional officers can foster a healthier work-life balance.
You can learn more about our scheduling solutions for corrections here.
