The death of work-life balance and the rise of Workestry: Stop balancing, start orchestrating

It’s a Saturday evening, and I find myself in a jazz club in downtown Stockholm. The lights are dim, the atmosphere electric. The saxophonist begins with the first notes, and I can feel the tension from the week’s work meetings and deadlines start to lift. The music evolves, improvisation takes over, and I realize something incredible is happening. I see the musicians in front of me; they’re in complete harmony with each other and their instruments. Each expresses their unique talent, yet it becomes even more potent when harmonized within the orchestra. They are in ‘flow’, have full autonomy, and it’s clear they love what they do. Everything is a symphony of skill, creativity, and sheer joy.

At this moment, an epiphany strikes me:

What if my work life could be orchestrated to feel as harmonious, satisfying, and effective as this jazz ensemble?

The concept of Work-life Balance suddenly feels increasingly outdated. It reminds me of an eternal seesaw where work and leisure are constantly in competition. A seesaw where we’re forced to make sacrifices at the risk of losing our balance and burning out. Work-life balance suggests we have two lives: a work life and a personal life. As I see it, we have only one life, and most people probably spend more time working than spending time with their loved ones. I start sketching a new paradigm.

Introducing “Workestry” – a new term in the debate

Obsessed with the idea of orchestrating my life, I take a napkin at the jazz club and jot down the words “work” and “orchestry.” I play with the words, letting them embrace each other until the word “Workestry” emerges. This term will later become my new mantra and philosophy of life. Workestry is all about acting consciously to take full responsibility for orchestrating my life so that human potential amd outstanding performance is harmonized in a sweet symphony. To illustrate this symphony, I opt for a loop which I call “workestry in motion.”

Energy: The inner fuel for performance

On one side of this loop, we have “Energy.” This is where my lifestyle choices come into play. My energy is governed by factors such as inner drive, motivation, mindset,? relationships and well-being. I am aware that circumstances like sleep, diet, and exercise have a profound impact on my energy levels. This energy serves as the fuel that enables me to be creative, productive, and approach the workday with enthusiasm. But it’s also this fuel that enables me to unwind, enjoy life, and create memorable moments with those I love.

Performance: Mastering the art of doing the right things right

On the other side of the loop is “Performance,” where my energy is converted into sustainable results. It’s about my ability to utilize the energy I have in the most effective ways, which largely boils down to mastering the art of prioritization—doing the right things right. Being busy is not the same as being high-performing.

To be successful in the new work environment, we need to view collaboration as a superpower and digital competency as a necessity. We all must take responsibility to remain relevant and act to possess the skills demanded in a world where technology is constantly pushing the boundaries.

A sustainable work-life filled with passion and meaningfulness

A few weeks after visiting the jazz club, I decide to leave Work-life Balance behind, as it feels as passé as Walkman in a world of streaming. I no longer want to risk losing my balance. I strive for a sustainable work life filled with passion and meaningfulness.

The inspiration for this column isn’t based on an idyllic vision of a perfect work life. It stems more from troubling insights. Far too few people are emotionally engaged in their jobs, sick leaves related to stress have reached record highs, and despite access to modern technology and knowledge, too many people are stuck in outdated and inefficient work methods.

Imagine how much better the world would be if more people could wake up with energy and feel meaningfulness and enthusiasm to tackle the workday. Imagine if more people could understand and apply proven methods to use their time and energy most effectively without sacrificing their own or others’ well-being.

So, if you want to explore Workestry in your own life, why not start by reflecting on the following question areas with curiosity and honesty…

?? Inner motivation? Are you driven by inner motivation and a sense of purpose? Which aspects of your work do you find most rewarding and why? Are there specific tasks or projects that make you feel a higher degree of engagement and focus? What do you think triggers these feelings?

?? Wellbeing? How do you manage your personal well-being? What daily or weekly routines have you established to ensure you wake up energized? How are you doing in terms of sleep, exercise, diet, and stress? Are there other lifestyle choices, such as mindfulness or other relaxing activities, that you employ to promote your well-being?

?? Growth mindset? Do you have a fixed or growth mindset? Do you view challenges and obstacles as an opportunity to learn and grow, or as a threat to your competence and self-esteem? How do you handle feedback? Are you actively seeking opportunities for development?

?? Digital competence? Do you see technology and digital tools as enablers to work smart and sustainable? Do you allocate time to understand which technology trends are most relevant for your work? Do you take steps to master them? Do you see your digital competence as part of your professional responsibility?

?? Doing the right things? Do you focus on tasks and projects that are not just urgent, but also important for you to be effective and reach your long-term goals and contribute to meaningful results? Do you prioritize the right things that bring you closer to your long-term goals?

? Doing things right? What methods or tools do you use to be productive and deliver quality? Are you careful to take breaks for recovery? Do you avoid multitasking? Have you created an environment that minimizes distractions and promotes focused work?

?? Collaboration skills? Do you view your ability to collaborate as a superpower? Do you understand the value of collaboration and inclusion? What do you do to contribute to a high-performing collaborative environment where people feel safe to express their opinions, share feedback, and challenge the status quo? How do you handle conflicts and disagreements?