Fit vs. Balance

Lots of chatter in the HR world about the shifting focus of "Work-Life Balance" to "Work-Life Fit" as we are heading into 2024 (and beyond)....

But what exactly is the difference??

Work-Life Balance refers to balancing time and effort spent on work-related activities with those in one's personal life (family, leisure, etc). This comes with the separation of responsibilities, and ensuring that the two different areas of one's life overlap as little as possible.

Work-Life Fit refers to the ability to integrate work and personal life harmoniously. This comes with flexibility in understanding that sometimes work will take more of one's attention, and at other times, personal life matters will.

As employers across the globe struggle with employee retention, engagement and productivity, recent polling data shows that finding more of a "work-life" fit continues to be a priority for employees. Having a better "fit" can provide many benefits to both the company and its employees:

• - Reduction of stress
• - Reduction of burnout
• - Reduction of absenteeism
• - Increase of productivity
• - Increase of retention
• - Increase of morale

Understanding that the requirements of each job, individual preferences and life circumstances will ultimately determine which is best path forward, the importance of maintaining well-being and fulfillment in both professional and personal lives shouldn't be overlooked by anyone.

Some quick tips for individuals regarding achieving Work-Life Fit:

• Prioritizing tasks- separate important and urgent both professionally & personally.
• Creating time away from work-allowing for complete time away from work/detoxes, allow for fitting personal life into their whole life.
• Being honest with themselves about their priorities- identify their limits, band-with and setting healthy boundaries.

How can employers incorporate Work-Life Fit into their cultures?

• Begins with a company-wide "buy-in" from all levels (top-to-bottom)
• Offer flexibility in understanding that everyone's circumstances are different.
• Flexibility in work schedules/arrangements, based on the demands of each role
• Identify and standardize how productivity will be measured

For additional reading, click here to read an intriguing and informative article on Forbes.com which includes insight from Cali Williams Yost, a work transformation strategist.