On October 29, 2024, in Vung Tau City, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, WeLead, in collaboration with VCCI Vung Tau, hosted a seminar titled “Balancing Work and Life” with sponsorship and support from IPP Group (IPPG). The event was attended by nearly 70 delegates, notably including Ms. Le Thi Kim Thu, Provincial Committee Member and President of the Ba Ria-Vung Tau Businesswomen's Association, three Deputy Directors of VCCI Vung Tau, the Chairman of the Business Leaders’ Association, and the President of the City Business Leaders’ Club.
In her opening speech, Madam Nguyen Thi Tuyet Minh, Chairwoman of WeLead, introduced the inception and objectives of the “Improving Mental Health Quality for Women Entrepreneurs” Program and highlighted the pivotal role of Ms. Vu Thi Thu Ha, former Director of VCCI Vung Tau, in bringing this program to women business leaders in Ba Ria-Vung Tau. Ms. Minh also expressed high regard for the proactive and professional collaboration of VCCI Vung Tau in organizing the seminar.
In the keynote address, Dr. Tran Duy Tam, a specialist in Psychiatry at Ho Chi Minh City Psychiatric Hospital, discussed the concept of balance and practical considerations of relative balance. He referenced research from Harvard University on personal perceptions of success and satisfaction among men and women to explain gender-based differences in perception, noting that women often prioritize emotional criteria, thus exhibiting greater sensitivity. Dr. Tam outlined physical and psychological indicators of imbalance, potential health risks, and preventive strategies.
The discussion session, moderated by Madam Nguyen Thi Tuyet Minh, Chairwoman of WeLead, featured the participation of Dr. Tran Duy Tam, mental health expert and Deputy Head of Psychology at Ho Chi Minh City Psychiatric Hospital, Cao Minh Hai; Ms. Nguyen Xuan Bich Thoai, Deputy Director of VCCI Vung Tau; and Ms. Phan Huong, Founder and Director of the Mermaid Center. The session was engaging and delved deeply into topics of concern for business leaders, including identifying signs of imbalance, understanding work addiction (workaholism) and its effects on personal life, recognizing when work is taking a toxic toll, psychological health risks, tools for stress self-assessment, deep breathing techniques, progressive muscle relaxation exercises, and approaches for coping and prevention.
The importance of the work environment, family, friends, and community in supporting women to manage stress and achieve work-life balance was particularly emphasized. Positive thinking, time management skills, structured work habits, advanced technology support, digital transformation, and social services were identified as key elements in alleviating women’s workload and fostering balance between work and life.
Stress, pressure, and imbalance are inevitable in life; proactive prevention through balanced nutrition, physical relaxation, sleep hygiene, scientific activities, and a positive attitude will help build resilience, enabling us to be stronger and more successful.
