Is Work-Life Balance the Myth We all Pretend to Master?

Reality Check – Work Life Balance Edition

Here’s a fact: Leaders are unable to provide their employees with work-life balance.

Because now work schedules are not only confined to usual office hours since the entire situation shifted with the fusion of the tech and IT revolution. Having access to resources is no longer an issue, and work emails could arrive at any moment.

Hence, many professionals find it challenging to change their beliefs and habits about work hours, despite overwhelming proof that long hours can be detrimental to both employees and employers.

Consequently, employees are logging more hours than ever before. According to the World Economic Forum, only 3% of the Italian workforce works over 50 hours per week, while in contrast, Mexico scores 0.4 out of 10 on work-life balance metrics, indicating a severe imbalance.

This trend, if left unchecked, can have severe repercussions for employers like high employee turnover, burnout, diminished performance, and even damaged employee brand in the long run.

So now the question is - How can you break free from these detrimental behaviours and achieve a healthier, more fulfilling harmony between work and life?

Employee's Guide to Breaking the Workaholic Cycle

Many people are working more hours now compared to before. A study by University College London found that white-collar workers who work overtime frequently are 60% more likely to suffer from heart-related issues, leading to burnout, reduced productivity, and negative health consequences.

How can we break these negative habits and find a satisfying equilibrium between work and life? Let's examine a few fundamental perspectives that can be beneficial.

“Ease” is not the same as balance

You must first understand that there is a distinction between Convenience and balance. Being convenient doesn't necessarily mean it's balanced. Now what we mean by this is that having access to technology makes it tempting to check emails or work outside of normal hours. We get it. Because of the increasing “always on” culture there’s always an expectation to always be accessible. But here's where things go south. This makes the line between work hours and personal time unclear. While this might feel “easy,” but it often leads to a lack of boundaries and, ultimately, burnout.

TIP: Set up definite work schedules and inform your team about them. It is acceptable to respond with, "I will follow up with you tomorrow!".

This helps manage expectations and allows you to focus on what matters outside of work.

Balancing does not mean giving equal time to everything.

A popular belief is that achieving a balanced 'work-life' involves dividing time equally between work, family, hobbies, and self-care. Which is not false. In reality, balance is more about prioritizing what matters most to you at any given time.

There will be days when work demands more of your attention, and that’s okay!

Sometimes, you might need to dedicate more time to a project at work, while other times, family commitments will take precedence.

TIP: The important thing is to understand that balance can change. It involves adjusting your focus based on your current responsibilities and personal needs Embrace this flexibility, and don’t stress about achieving a perfect 50/50 split.

Don’t feel guilty about time off

A lot of people feel guilty about taking breaks (thanks to hustle-culture). Nevertheless, the truth remains that taking breaks is crucial, not just a luxury. This is why companies such as Google and Salesforce have put in place regulations that require employees to take time off. This aids in allowing employees to rejuvenate their mental energy and sustain their overall health.

Remember that you are not only a tiny component of the system; you are an individual with aspirations and objectives. Prioritizing your health and happiness can lead to more success in your career.

TIP: View the act of taking a break as a way to boost your productivity and innovation. Therefore, when you think about taking a day off or scheduling a holiday, remember it's a display of strength, not a lack of it.

Employers' toolkit for rebalancing work and life

While setting boundaries and prioritizing well-being are essentials, organizations can also have a big impact on promoting work-life balance by offering unique benefits and initiatives.

By offering rewards and recognition, investing in employee growth management, and crafting a strong employee value proposition, organizations can establish a conducive atmosphere that enables employees to succeed in their work and personal lives. Let's investigate how each of these factors can help improve a better work-life equilibrium:

Rewards and Recognition

Regular recognition helps employees feel valued. Various sources report that 40% of the employees are willing to go the extra mile. This sense of appreciation can encourage them to maintain a healthier work-life balance, as they feel their contributions are acknowledged. While there are many ways and options for employee recognition, not all carry the same impact, but one fact remains the same – All employees are open to acknowledgment and appreciation.

Many of our clients like pidilite report that using VegaHR’s R&R platform helped them build a proper R&R culture which has been reported to reduce stress and tiredness via the platform’s mood tracker, motivating workers to express their needs and pursue flexibility in their work schedules. In the end, a culture that values recognition not only increases morale but also results in policies that give importance to well-being, establishing a setting where employees can succeed both in their professional and personal lives.

Growth management

We all know that juggling project deadlines, team meetings and personal commitments feels overwhelming, right? (Yes, I just gave the gist of every person’s day-to-day). Now here’s a fact- Normalizing this feeling as ‘corporate pressure’ is not normal. This is exactly where VegaHR’s growth management comes into play, transforming chaos into clarity and helping you reclaim time. Think of a growth management map as your personal GPS for career and life goals. It’s a visual representation of your goals, timelines, and the resources you need to achieve them. Instead of a rigid to-do list, it’s a dynamic tool that allows you to see the bigger picture while keeping your personal life in focus.

This enables you to achieve a harmonious balance between work and personal life. By envisioning your objectives and being deliberate with your schedule, you can achieve excellence in your career and find satisfaction in your personal life.

Employee Value Proposition (EVP)

Imagine waking up on a Monday morning, feeling energized and excited about the week ahead—not because of the projects you’re tackling, but because you know your employer truly values your well-being. Now that’s the power of EVP.

An Employee Value Proposition is essentially the unique set of benefits and values that an organization offers to its employees in exchange for their skills, capabilities, and experiences. It’s the promise of what employees can expect from their employer and what the employer expects in return. When crafted thoughtfully, it can significantly enhance work-life balance.

A win-win for all

Keep in mind, balance is not a fixed condition, it's an ongoing process that demands constant contemplation and modification. It's not just about splitting your time; it's about establishing a balanced blend of your professional and personal life that mirrors your beliefs and importance.

By establishing limits, making self-care a priority, and promoting a positive work environment, individuals and companies can create conditions that benefit both workers and employers. Together, as employees and employers, we can create a future where work-life balance is the norm, not the exception—a future where we thrive both professionally and personally, united in our pursuit of a fulfilling, balanced life.