Work-life balance does not have to be an organizational myth

Welcome back to the Tech Thread.

This month, we're tackling the age-old struggle of balancing work and life, especially in the always-on tech world. We'll share insights and strategies to help you and your organization achieve a more balanced, productive, and fulfilling work environment. Let's begin.

Take any industry, and one complaint would be a constant: the struggle to balance work, personal responsibilities, and countless other tasks. In the tech industry, this challenge feels more pronounced because it feels impossible to disconnect. Work apps on our phones mean that every notification or email can pull us back into work mode—well beyond the required eight hours.

The truth is, the boundaries between work and personal life are increasingly blurred, and the pressure to be constantly available can be overwhelming. This pace often results in a lack of mental rest, which can negatively impact both personal well-being and professional productivity.

When mental health suffers, it becomes challenging to show up at work to give your 100%. This issue spills over into other parts of life as well. Studies have shown that prolonged stress and overwork can lead to burnout and other physical ailments. ?Addressing work-life balance is not just a personal concern but a critical organizational priority as well.

Does work-life balance matter for organizations?

Despite reports that job satisfaction is at an all-time high in 2024, many young professionals are increasingly dissatisfied with their jobs.

If you take a look at the list of jobs that makes people most happy, surprisingly, skilled jobs like electricians, plumbers, and general contractors have taken the top spot. Professionals employed in these trades reportedly found "meaning and value" in their work.

It also helps that more than half of them felt like their trades gave them autonomy, and after all, we don't expect to see AI coming to fix our pipes anytime soon. They felt safe from other tech disruptions too. The same cannot be said for tech workers.

So, it's more important than ever for employers to foster a healthy work-life balance and make employees feel valued in?the work that they do. We cannot treat them just like resources anymore but more like a family, a team player.

This can lead to higher employee engagement, reduced turnover, and increased productivity. Employees who feel balanced are more likely to be motivated and loyal to the company.

How can individuals achieve work-life balance?

Set boundaries

• Establish clear work hours. Avoid checking work emails or messages during personal time.
• Create a separate space for work to help mentally switch off after work.
• Use calendars and task managers to organize work and prevent spillover into personal time.

Time management

• Work in focused intervals (e.g., 25 minutes) followed by short breaks to maintain productivity.
• Identify and focus on high-priority tasks. Break larger tasks into manageable steps.
• Avoid overcommitting by setting achievable goals and deadlines.

?Utilizing company policies

• Take advantage of flexible work arrangements to balance professional and personal responsibilities.
• Participate in wellness programs offered by the company, such as fitness classes or mental health resources.

How can organizations help their employees?

The first step is to enact support policies and make employees aware that the company cares for them. This also means:

No after-hour emails

• Implement policies that discourage after-hours communication, allowing employees to disconnect and enjoy personal time.

Mandatory time-off

• Encourage regular vacations and breaks to help employees recharge, reduce stress, and enhance productivity.

Automation tools

• Use technology to automate routine tasks, reducing workload and allowing focus on meaningful work.

Project management software

• Implement tools to manage tasks and deadlines efficiently, preventing last-minute rushes and overtime.

Work-life balance is not just a trendy buzzword; it's a fundamental aspect of modern work culture for employees and organizations. When employees can balance their work with their personal lives, they experience better mental and physical health. For organizations, it leads to higher productivity and loyalty among employees. Prioritizing work-life balance creates a more motivated workforce, ultimately driving long-term success for the company.

LinkedIn News

Source:

1. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2024/05/22/why-skilled-trades-workers-report-high-job-satisfaction/