Blending work and life - the power of work-life integration
Chutisa Bowman
Empowering Boomers to Thrive: Transpersonal change catalyst, Creative Strategist, Longevity & aging well Specialist at Catalyst for Change Media.
Managing the demands of a job and personal obligations can be approached in two ways: work-life integration and work-life balance. While they share similarities, they also have distinct differences that can impact your overall productivity, job satisfaction, and well-being.
Work-life balance focuses on creating boundaries to promote a healthy separation between work and personal life. It's often seen as finding a balance between these two aspects. However, achieving a healthy work-life balance involves much more than simply managing time between work and personal life.
At first glance, compartmentalizing work and leisure time may seem like an effective way to establish balance. However, this approach often leads to unexpected spill-over and challenges in maintaining the desired equilibrium. Trying to strictly separate these two areas demands constant adherence to the plan.
The tension that arises between work and personal life can sometimes disrupt our plans and prevent us from finding lasting equilibrium. Dealing with these inconsistencies can be draining, affecting our ability to organize both our professional and personal lives.
By understanding the nuances of work-life integration and work-life balance, you can better navigate the complexities and find an approach that suits your needs and goals.