How can work-life balance improve employee performance?

Professionals commonly encounter burnout and stress when a suitable work-life balance is not maintained. Failure to address these challenges appropriately may escalate and contribute to more severe health issues. If you're committed to enhancing your productivity and performance, then prioritizing the reduction of these adverse effects resulting from an improper work-life balance becomes paramount.

Work-life balance benefits organizations by increasing employee productivity, improving retention rates, and fostering a positive organizational culture. It also enhances the company's reputation as an employee-friendly workplace.

Here are several ways in which work-life balance can contribute to improved employee performance- -Exposure to different experiences and perspectives outside of the workplace can inspire new ideas and innovative thinking. Improved Mental and Physical Health-Healthy employees are more likely to be present, engaged, and able to perform at their best. -Satisfied employees are more likely to be committed to their roles and the organization, leading to better performance. -Better Work Relationships, -Balanced lifestyle supports engagement by allowing employees to recharge and approach their work with renewed energy. -Retention of Talent-Organizations that prioritize work-life balance are more likely to retain their top talent.

I think that if you manage tasks and meetings during the day and stay active after work, and look forward to evenings out and planning your next vacation. Then everything is fine with your work life balance and you are competent build your schedule.

The Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu scripture, underscores the significance of duty (dharma) and advocates performing responsibilities without becoming overly attached to the outcomes. When we tie results to our duties, the concept of work-life balance comes into play, highlighting the need to manage our thoughts about outcomes. The Gita encourages individuals to fulfill their duties diligently while cultivating detachment from the results. This perspective promotes a balanced approach to work and life, urging a focus on responsibilities without succumbing to excessive attachment or overwhelm.

Leaders play a critical role in teaching employees how to allocate their energy and attention more effectively. One excellent example comes from a senior leader who initiated a practice for her entire organization: no meetings were scheduled after noon on Fridays. She sent invites to everyone to ensure that this time was respected and set clear expectations for its use. Initially, I had doubts about its effectiveness, but I later realized that important meetings were rescheduled to earlier in the week, and I received invites for the upcoming week on Fridays. When employees are not constantly overwhelmed by work demands, they are more likely to maintain good mental and physical health, which, in turn, improves their overall performance.

Work-life balance was introduced in the 70’s to achieve balance between family and career. HR should really strive to change this terminology, it’s anachronistic and balance needs as well as stress today differ from those in the 70s. I would rename this ‘work fit into life’. In the end it’s very subjected so if you are workaholic then work will fit 100% in your life, and family will take the hit, if you are ‘lifeholic’ then you do the math…

Here are few points to individuals can consider: 1. Set Boundaries: Clearly define work hours and personal time. 2. Prioritize Tasks: Focus on high-impact tasks and delegate when possible to prevent overwork. 3. Time Management: Use techniques like the Pomodoro method to stay efficient and avoid burnout. 4. Regular Breaks: Schedule short breaks during work to recharge and refocus. 5. Exercise: Incorporate regular physical activity into your routine to reduce stress and boost energy. 6. Family and Friends: Dedicate quality time to loved ones, nurturing personal relationships. 7. Unplug: Disconnect from work emails and devices outside of work hours. 8. Hobbies and Interests: Pursue hobbies and interests to unwind and find enjoyment. Cheers!

With the current hybrid working models, work-life balance is a myth. One can only manage to utilize the time efficiently and plan their day to fit both work activities and personal activities. One must ensure that they are not exhausting themselves.

Maintaining work-life balance involves setting realistic expectations, prioritizing tasks, and establishing clear boundaries. Schedule dedicated time for work, breaks, and personal activities. Learn to delegate tasks when possible and communicate openly with colleagues about workload. Regularly reassess and adjust your priorities to align with personal and professional goals. Prioritizing self-care, such as exercise and relaxation, is crucial for sustained work-life balance.

People managers play a pivotal role in fostering a healthy work environment that supports a balanced lifestyle. By prioritizing work-life balance initiatives, organizations can reap a multitude of benefits, including increased productivity, reduced turnover costs, and a healthier, more engaged workforce. Managers who embrace work-life balance as a core value not only contribute to employee well-being but also position their organizations for long-term success.

In my research, I have found that leaders significantly impact employee's work-life balance. In particular, toxic leaders. I found that psychopathic leaders had a negative impact on employees' well-being and work-life balance. Toxic leaders' negative impact on employees goes beyond the walls of the workplace. Employees who have to deal with an abusive leader will show signs of psychological distress, which will affect their personal lives. In addition, toxic leaders tend to impose unmanageable workloads on their teams to make themselves look good. When employees can count on a good leader who supports their needs, they tend to have a good work-life balance, leading to higher well-being and productivity.

I would go for life-work integration instead of balance. It is one's ability to be able to embed one into the other and vice versa without unbearable disruption that makes someone succeed in his/her chosen vocation. Going after balance is not always possible, but wanting to achieve that, in the process, is integration. That being a conscious effort is what will help one endure the complexities and demands of what he/she is tasked to do professionally and personally.

Instead of work life balance, I would say look at your life and the energy around it. Is your life in balance ? work is but only one component of life and there are quite a few other dimensions that make up our life - like family, friends, other relationships, time for own self and the question we need to ask ourselves is that "is our life in balance" . How do we maintain the right energy in ourselves so we are true to our selves and have balance in different dimensions of our life and avoid getting into a space where we start to neglect other aspects of our life. If we know what we truly value and how well is our internal energy management system, we can have a more balanced and fulfilled life.

In my opinion, achieving work-life balance or maintaining health and well-being have become top priorities for most employees nowadays, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Society competition has taken a back seat and people are now focusing on going back to their inner side with the "body-mind-sense" balanced living model consists of 6 elements: 1. Physical 2. Mental 3. Emotional 4. Spiritual 5. Social 6. And environmental. In addition, adopting a well-being lifestyle can help individuals reduce stress, boost creativity, and enhance work productivity while meeting their health, emotional, social, and family needs.