The true definition of work-life balance

Creating a balance between work and home life continues to be an on-trend topic of discussion in the employment industry. What many have failed to acknowledge is that we all have different priorities in the workplace. Today’s business leaders must be prepared, willing to adapt and provide the necessary flexibility to adapt the work and life balance when required.

Our priorities vary - for some, the work-life balance may focus on securing that promotion, but for others, it could be more about starting a family or spending more time with children. In short, there isn’t one definitive answer that determines a work-life balance. It is a more fluid concept that business leaders must recognise and embrace.

Determine your work-life balance.

There’s a misconception that a healthy work-life balance means evenly splitting your time between work and non-work activities, balancing the two sides, but this isn’t necessarily the case. For some, balance means working shorter days, while others thrive on working more hours. Creating a healthy work-life balance relates to fulfilment on both sides, your work and personal life.

Finding balance isn’t simply about working fewer hours or from home a few days a week or having the flexibility to finish work earlier to pick the kids up from school. It goes beyond this concept and encompasses a more holistic theory of how to look after yourself and how to spend your time. Adopting this broader view, finding balance means:

You manage your work and can meet all deadlines without working all hours.

You can maintain clear boundaries between home and work life, which allows you to not think about work constantly.

You can spend time with your family, friends and other people that matter.

Ensuring you have time to continue doing the hobbies that you love.

Time to look after your physical and mental wellness.

Having an employer willing to listen and adapt is also critical - it provides the opportunity for flexibility that empowers people while enabling productivity levels to be maintained.

Business leaders need help to afford the discussions about work-life balance. It’s become an established part of our working culture. During the summer, we should use this time to reassess, refuel and determine the priorities - what you want from a business and how you intend to achieve it.

In previous years, people recognised the challenge of balancing work and personal life. They believed the best option was creating a work environment that provided enough flexibility to enable changes in their lives. The millennial mindset has changed and focused on effectively integrating work into their personal lives, eliminating the boundaries between professional and personal. Many millennials are creating new careers and pursuing flexible work options, often taking on multiple roles.

Redefining the work-life balance

With people seeking more autonomy and control over their lives and how they work, the concept of work-life balance is likely to continue evolving. If businesses can meet these employment demands, work-life balance will not be a conflict between the work environment and our personal lives.?

At Advance in IT, we only work with forward companies that provide a work/life balance. This way, they get the best from their employees and their emloyees thrive, meaning a very small turnover of staff.

If you, as a potential job seeker, would like to find an employer that gives you a better work/life balance, or are an emlployer wanting to know how to adopt a better culture, please do get in touch. We thrive on improving lives and emerging tech businesses. We have done so for 12 years.

[email protected] / [email protected] / 0044 7508 745503.