How To Attain An Effective Work-Life Balance?

Our world has come a long way at a fast-increasing rate. Due to various technological advancements and social changes, it has become harder for individuals to attain an effective work-life balance.

According to Canadian Electronic Library, & National Union of Public General Employees, 72% of the women surveyed miss out on time for exercise, 75% of the women considered illness as a major challenge of work-life balance, and 90% of the women reported feeling overly stressed due to inefficient work-life balance conflict (2013). Even though these statistics only highlight women work-life balance, it shows that work-life balance is important to stay physically, emotionally, and mentally healthy. Stress, fatigue, sleep disorders, and anxiety can be direct products of work-life imbalance. Lack of time for exercise and diet control can even make individuals more susceptible to burnouts.

An improper work-life balance can also affect an individual’s own job satisfaction and advancement. To further explain how lack of work-life balance can bring negativity in an individual’s life, Correlates of Work-Life Balance for Faculty across Racial/Ethnic Groups mentioned, “lack of work-life balance has been associated with negative consequences in terms of emotional and physical well-being, retention, advancement, and job satisfaction among faculty” (2018). Additionally, individuals who do not maintain proper work-life balance become more vulnerable to losing other positive skills, such as time management, prioritization, and organizational skills, that are essential in all aspects of life. However, due to more rest and reflection opportunities offered by appropriate work-life balance, individuals take fewer sick leaves and can concentrate more on the tasks assigned at work. Individuals can also enjoy greater professional growth and enhanced social interactions. An effective work-life balance allows an individual to positively contribute to the workplace’s productivity measure and thereby develop more self-confidence, self-esteem, and influence.

Through proper work-life balance, individuals can learn to allocate time to pursue new interests and hobbies, to develop a sense of purpose and spirituality, to participate in community events, and to enjoy time with their family and friends. Through more exercise and relaxation time, a balanced work-life also helps individuals develop attributes of compassion by providing them the time and ability to demonstrate sympathy, concern, and care towards themselves even during the most difficult times of their lives. It provides individuals with the ability and time to successfully treat their conflicts and sufferings in life including addictions and peer pressure.

Even though sometimes work can be a never-ending process, it is important to not burn the midnight oil thinking that one aspect of life is superior to the other. To maintain happiness and comfort of individuals, societies, and families, it is not only essential for individuals to find the right balance between work and life, but also to promote its importance in the community by offering awareness workshops, seminars, courses, and events. It is also important for employers to offer employees improved medical care facilities including health, dental, and vision benefits, daycare facilities for employees with little children, flexible working hours, and appropriate work breaks. A balance work-life has become a new necessity in individuals’ lives.