Work-life balance refers to the ability of an employee to maintain a healthy balance between work, personal and family life. Companies are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of employees achieving a good work-life balance, as more people are experiencing a conflict between their personal and work life, which in turn affects their workplaces. With voluntary and childcare obligations on the one hand and work obligations on the other, the struggle to achieve a strong work-life balance is higher than ever.
The traditional working structure is based on a 9-5 model that exists in a few companies today. With increased competition and globalization, employers expect far more of their staff to achieve ultimate grandeur, even if this magnitude involves working 9-9. But when did we allow our hours to spiral out of control?
While there is certainly more pressure from companies to work longer hours, employees are also struggling with perfectionism and the quest to be better than others. Why can’t we just do the best we can? The fact is, we spend half our life working, but we’re not just living to work. We ‘re here to make an impact, and while work is part of it, it’s our personal duty to have fun and to create memories.
So why is it so important to achieve a work-life balance?
Work-life balance increases productivity
Your company wants employees who are both hard-working and productive. And staying in the office for unnecessary long hours may make you feel like you’re contributing a lot to the office; but the quality of work is probably worse, making the effort much less productive. Studies show that those who maintain a steady work-life balance are far more productive than those who do not. A positive way of life will automatically produce amazing results.
Work-life Balance maintains mental health
It is unfortunate that not all employers place enough importance on mental health at the workplace. But the subject is really prevalent at a minute, as studies show the dangers and risks that could lead to a variety of issues, from stress-related illnesses to depression. Burnout is a very common issue you may have heard about. This happens when a great deal of pressure is put on a person, culminating in “chronic stress.” This stress could be caused by a variety of things, from scandalous workloads (and no work-life balance) to simply not being valued for the hard work you do.If you notice that you have been acting out of character lately, it may be time to start assessing your work-life balance or to talk to a professional.
Work-life balance ensures your physical health and wellbeing
As the old adage says: a healthy body, a healthy mind so a great way to maintain your mental health is to make sure that you also feel healthy. This includes regular exercise and eating healthy, but not overdoing, at work. Maybe money can buy happiness in certain circumstances, but if you spend all your time working or thinking about work, it’s more than likely that you won’t. (Yes, there are obviously exceptions to this). Worse still, stress caused by such a lifestyle can lead to other physical problems, such as high blood pressure and heart disease. It just isn’t worth it.
Work-life balance creates a more rounded individual
If your life revolves around work, you lose a lot of the other positive dimensions that make you attractive to employers (and others). Having out-of-work interests will increase and improve your skills and make you a more rounded and interesting individual. You ‘re going to be able to share those experiences and knowledge with others. This is something that employers are looking for seriously. That’s why you need to include a section on your CV hobbies, and that’s why they’re asking what you enjoy doing in your spare time.
Work-life balance diminishes stress for companies
A lack of work-life balance leads not only to stress for the employee but also to stress for their company. Stressed staff often result in lower productivity levels, more sick days are taken, absenteeism and all of these associated costs are borne by the company. Employees may also experience poor co-worker relationships and lower job satisfaction, again affecting company turnover and retention costs. Ensure that you speak directly with your staff to find out the reasons for their lack of productivity or whatever the issue may be. By helping them achieve a more flexible work schedule or something that can reduce their burden, you increase their job satisfaction, career longevity, and productivity.