WORK-LIFE BALANCE: AN ILLUSION

VEXING QUESTION OF WORK-LIFE

Companies eager to please the workforce have ‘templatised’ this vexing question of work-life into a set of deliverable actions – flexible working hours, working from home, Friday bars, generous paternity leave etc. All of these mask the core issue, isolating work and life as two opposing states of being. This separation is rather unrealistic when you are plugged in 24/7.

If you turn one of the deliverable actions on its head, then the flexible working model is essentially designed for the company, you are simply trying to fit in. What it has achieved is getting people to choose what time to come to work and not balance life in the true sense.

It is important to understand what your needs are for work-life balance. Remember, you are paid to work, not to give up your family and life. The work-life equation is more personal and should not be left to businesses to solve. Only you know best about the kind of life you want to lead.

THE FULCRUM

The fulcrum of work-life balance is a priority and not conflict. Generally, those who are happier are those who are accepting and pursuing a blended idea of work and life.

If one of your priorities is to spend more time with your family, then you need to balance it with engaging in deep work when you are at work or running your business. Learning to prioritise is knowing your path and empowers you to decide what you say yes to and what you say no to. This self-actualisation is a vital part of the work-life balance that keeps you more productive and healthier.

When you are involved in deep work that is aligned to your priorities, any stress or distractions play second fiddle to the enthusiasm and energy you bring. Moreover focus and flow from knowing your priorities promotes excellence both at work and in life.