Readdressing Work-Life Balance is Crucial for Employee Well-being and Organisational Success

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented changes to our daily lives, including our work routines. Since the pandemic, remote work has become more common, leading to a blurring of boundaries between work and personal life. With remote work comes the challenge of separating the two, leading to an increased prevalence of burnout, stress, and work-life imbalance. I wanted to explore how the pandemic has disrupted the work-life balance and what can be done to readdress the balance, benefiting both individuals and organisations.

Disruptions to Work-Life Balance

Before the pandemic, most employees had a clear distinction between their work life and their personal life. However, with the rise of remote work, the lines between the two have blurred. Some, but not all, organisations, expect their employees to be always available, including beyond traditional working hours, leading to an increase in work-related stress and anxiety.

According to a recent survey, more than half of the respondents reported an increase in work-related stress since the pandemic. Additionally, nearly 70% reported that their workloads had increased, and more than half stated that they were working longer hours.

One of the major reasons for this imbalance is that the traditional 9-to-5 workday has become a thing of the past. Employees now feel obligated to be available to their employers at all times, leading to a lack of separation between work and personal life. With the disappearance of the physical boundary between work and home, employees find themselves struggling to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Benefits of Readdressing Work-Life Balance

Readdressing work-life balance can benefit both the individual and the organisation. Individuals who have a healthy work-life balance are more productive, creative, and engaged. They are also more likely to stay with their organisation for a longer period.

On the other hand, organisations that prioritise work-life balance for their employees benefit from increased employee engagement, higher productivity, and reduced absenteeism. A workplace that promotes a healthy work-life balance is also more attractive to potential employees, making it easier to attract and retain top talent.

What Can Be Done to Readdress Work-Life Balance?

To readdress the work-life balance, organisations need to implement policies and practices that prioritise the well-being of their employees. Here are some suggestions:

Set clear boundaries: Organisations need to set clear expectations around working hours and communication. Employees should know when they are expected to be available and when they can disconnect.

Offer flexible working hours: Providing employees with the option to work flexible hours can help them balance their work and personal responsibilities. For instance, some employees may prefer to work early in the morning, while others may prefer to work late at night.

Encourage breaks: Taking breaks throughout the workday can help employees recharge and prevent burnout. Employers should encourage their employees to take regular breaks, including lunch breaks and short breaks during the day.

Provide mental health resources: Mental health has become a growing concern since the pandemic began. Organisations should provide resources and support to help employees manage their mental health and well-being.

Lead by example: (The most important one for leaders) Employers need to lead by example by modelling healthy work-life balance behaviours. Managers should avoid sending emails or messages outside of working hours, as this can create an expectation for employees to be available at all times.

The pandemic disrupted the work-life balance. However, readdressing work-life balance can benefit both the individual and the organisation. What examples have you implemented or seen that can help with the work-life balance? I’d love to hear them.