In simple terms, work-life balance is about finding the right mix between
personal and professional activities. It involves considering how much your
job impacts your home life and, conversely, how much your personal life
affects your work.
Although the term Work-Life Balance (WLB) was coined in 1986, it had been used
informally for several years. Interestingly, work/life programs had already
existed as early as the 1930s. Organizations established policies and
procedures with the aim of enabling their employees to effectively perform
their job responsibilities while offering flexibility to address personal
concerns or family-related issues.
In the contemporary context, dual-wage-earning families, on the whole, find
themselves working longer hours. The ideal work-life balance is said to be
present when there is efficient functioning both at work and at home,
minimizing role conflict. However, the inherent conflict between demands from
the work and non-work domains often leads to a lack of work-life balance.
Notably, current entrants to the workforce prioritize work-life balance more
than their predecessors. Despite this emphasis, achieving the desired balance
remains a challenge. Research indicates that today s graduates often find
themselves in situations where they are compelled to work increasingly longer
hours, resulting in a progressively unsatisfactory balance between their home
life and work responsibilities.
Discussion surrounding work-life balance has persisted for many years, a
reflection of the challenges confronting individuals engaged in demanding
professional roles. These challenges include the persistent expectation to be
always on’, time constraints arising from consecutive and prolonged meetings
throughout the day, frequent disruptions posed by communication technology and
the prevalent open-office floor plans, and the omnipresence of work owing to
our continual connectivity. These challenges collectively contribute to
heightened pressure, increased stress levels, and a susceptibility to burnout
among a number of professionals.
Some individuals view work-life balance simply as the convenience of managing
personal affairs during the workday without seeking explicit permissions or
providing explanations of our activities to others. Another frequently used
definition of work-life balance involves equal time or priority to both
personal and professional activities. Yet, these definitions have limitations
that are preventing work-life balance from becoming the effective solution it
should be
Importance of Work-Life Balance
Technology has notably enhanced various aspects of people s lives, promoting
longevity and well-being. Students benefit from access to extensive
information for academic tasks, while families can connect across vast
distances. However, the convenience of technology in accessing information,
communication, and task completion has led to a blending of work and family
time, necessitating a crucial distinction.
Continuous attachment to work, without designated relaxation and recharge
time, increases the chances of stress and burnout. A person s job performance
diminishes without adequate breaks. From a managerial perspective, encouraging
breaks rather than long work hours is important. Establishing a schedule that
includes enjoyable activities contributes to individuals being better
employees, friends, and family members. Learning to disengage from work
devices after working hours is challenging but crucial.
Achieving work-life balance is essential, as it allows individuals to
appreciate the life they ve built for themselves. Without this balance, people
become less available to loved ones, potentially impacting relationships.
Additionally, prolonged stress may lead to health issues such as heart
disease, alcoholism, and diabetes. Learning to say no to excessive demands on
time becomes imperative for overall well-being.
Work-Life Balance for Women Employees
Over the last two decades, significant transformations have occurred in our
workplaces and households. Unprecedented numbers of women have joined the
workforce, narrowing the earnings gap with men.
Simultaneously, men have increasingly taken on traditional family roles, with
both genders dedicating more time to their children. Despite this, the dual
challenges of managing a career and parental responsibilities are causing
strain. Current workplace policies have yet to adapt to these changing
dynamics, often perpetuating outdated stereotypes. There persists an
assumption that men primarily serve as breadwinners, while women are expected
to fulfill homemaking and caregiving roles. To attract and retain top talent,
both men and women, organizations must implement policies that support success
in both personal and professional spheres.
A study done on the work-life balance challenges faced by married working
women, revealed that balancing work, study, and personal life is particularly
challenging for women. The difficulties persist across various sectors, age
groups, the number of children, and their spouse s profession. Notably,
professionals in the IT sector encountered more challenges in managing study
and family commitments, followed by those in academia and the health sector.
Issues related to working hours were pronounced in the IT sector, while
socializing and relaxation time posed challenges for women in the health
sector.
Regardless of the sector, married working women consistently struggled to
allocate time for personal hobbies, leisure activities, and maintaining
friendships or extended relationships. Among age groups, those under 30 years
experienced more work-life imbalance issues than those aged 30 to 40, with
women over 40 showing a slightly better balance. Notably, respondents with
spouses in business or marketing professionals reported the most evident
challenges in work-life balance. These findings highlight the critical
importance of achieving work-life balance for overall happiness and life
satisfaction.
Moreover, in the modern era marked by dual-career couples, understanding and
addressing work-life balance challenges are crucial for overall health and
well-being. Conflicts in the work-life balance significantly impact the health
of working women, resulting in increased stress, headaches, muscle tension,
weight gain, and
depression
compared to their male counterparts.
Balancing familial obligations and professional targets poses substantial
implications for an individual s well-being. While there is a growing demand
for the right to balance study and family life, health and wellness programs,
though beneficial, are not standalone solutions. The intricate problems faced
by women require further exploration to provide comprehensive support in
achieving a healthy balance between work and family responsibilities in today
s demanding world.
How can EWPs help with this?
EWPs or Employee Wellness Programs are initiatives implemented by
organizations to enhance the health and well-being of their workforce. These
programs extend beyond traditional healthcare benefits, addressing various
aspects of employees physical, mental, and emotional health. By offering
health screenings, fitness programs, mental health support, nutritional
guidance, and ergonomic workspaces, these initiatives aim to create a
healthier work environment. Additionally, flexible work arrangements and
wellness challenges contribute to better work-life balance and increased
engagement. The benefits of these programs include improved productivity,
reduced healthcare costs, enhanced morale, and increased attractiveness to
potential hires. Overall, employee wellness programs play a crucial role in
fostering a positive workplace culture and supporting the well-being of
employees.
Employee wellness programs play a vital role in enhancing work-life balance.
The flexibility provided by wellness programs, such as options for remote work
or adaptable schedules, enables employees to better navigate their
professional responsibilities while also addressing personal needs.
Stress management resources contribute to a healthier mental state, positively
influencing the balance between work and personal life. Wellness challenges
and incentives foster a sense of community and positivity, influencing morale
and collaboration. By providing mental health support, these programs help
employees navigate challenges and stressors, promoting a healthier and more
balanced work-life equilibrium for the entire workforce.
Furthermore, work-life balance coaches and workshops are instrumental in
assisting individuals in navigating the delicate balance between their
professional and personal lives. These resources offer valuable one-on-one
guidance tailored to individuals unique situations. Workshops, facilitated by
coaches, foster collective learning, allowing employees to share experiences
and gain insights from their colleagues. The focus is on skill development,
imparting essential time management techniques to prioritize tasks effectively
and stress management strategies to cope with workplace stressors on a
day-to-day basis.
Beyond individual support, coaches and workshops contribute to improving
workplace culture by creating awareness about the value of work-life balance.
They may advocate for policies that align with this ethos, thereby influencing
organizational practices. The practical skills imparted not only enhance
productivity but also contribute to job satisfaction.
These initiatives play a vital role in employee retention and recruitment
efforts. Organizations that prioritize work-life balance and offer coaching
and workshops become more appealing to potential hires. Moreover, these
resources address burnout proactively, aiding in the retention of skilled and
satisfied employees. In the evolving landscape of remote work, coaches assist
employees in navigating challenges associated with virtual or hybrid work
environments, ensuring a healthy separation between work and personal life.
Overall, WLB coaches and workshops are helpful tools in creating a supportive
work environment, empowering employees to strike a harmonious balance between
their professional and personal responsibilities.
Finally, it s crucial for individuals to allocate time for their interests as
it helps refresh and reduce both mental and physical stress. Engaging in
activities like a morning or afternoon walk acts as a tonic, especially for
those with sedentary or office job. For those with different work natures,
adopting hobbies like reading or indoor games becomes a refreshing activity
for the mind and body. Prioritizing time for family, including spouse,
children, parents, relatives, and friends, is vital, along with participating
in community activities to stay connected with local changes. Balancing work
and life also means taking breaks and ensuring proper sleep at night based on
age and work nature. In essence, individual efforts in allocating time for
personal interests, embracing activities like walks or hobbies, and
prioritizing family and community engagement are pivotal for achieving a
well-rounded work-life balance.