Balance in Life

There is a lot written on work/life balance but how does it really affect us? The pressure of an increasingly demanding work culture has become a big challenge to society’s mental health issues.  Plus, a healthy work-life balance can mean different things to each of us. It’s about making sure you feel fulfilled and content in all areas of your life. It was certainly thrown off balance during the pandemic. While productivity went up with the remote workforce, so did some mental health issues.

Some of the long work hours are because of a mix of inner drivers, like ambition, machismo, greed, anxiety, guilt, enjoyment, pride, the pull of short-term rewards, a desire to prove we are important or an overdeveloped sense of duty. Are the long hours doing what we assume they do — getting more done? Research suggests that overwork does not yield higher productivity. Overwork and the resulting stress can lead to all sorts of health problems including impaired sleep, depression, heavy drinking, diabetes, impaired memory, and heart disease. HBR – Long hours backfire.

Working from home has also made it difficult to unplug (27%), collaborate and communicate (16%), lonely (16%), distracted (15%), and to stay motivated (12%) – State of Remote Work buffer.com. It also created the Great Resignation - less loyal employees who found that with an estimated 11M opportunities available in the market, it was more rewarding in pay and enjoyment to leave their employment.

Employees experienced that companies, (Gallup) created a lack of job satisfaction due to an:

1.     Erosion of Trust

2.     Demise of Teams

3.     Emphasis on Conformity

The study also showed that employees (still only 18% engaged) are now wanting a job they love which shows up 6x greater desire than increased pay:

•       Do I feel someone cares?

•       Do I do something daily I love?

So, what can leaders do?

•       Help them find a sense of purpose.

•       Teach Mindfulness-Meditation

•       Get Everyone Engaged. 

•       Create a culture of recognition and belonging.

•       Be respectfully transparent.

•       Make sure people are in the right roles.

•       Give as much autonomy as you can.

•       Demonstrate a commitment to your employee’s growth and progression.

What does it take to free yourself from these unhealthy patterns and reach a more sustainable, rewarding work-life balance? Ask yourself: What am I willing to sacrifice and for how long? Then use my 5R’s to keep yourself grounded and present and contact me for assistance.