The Essence of Balance

The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about.” —Oscar Wilde   

In my last few articles, I have spoken about the MINDSET, FEEDBACK, Jack and his trades, and a lot more. Above are the skills which you cannot just learn but experience and implement, but at the same time there is one of the most important skills which needs to be practiced and the hot topic which has been discussed at all times is “WORK LIFE BALANCE.” 

Since the season of working from the office has started, the most common discussion which you will get to hear is 

“Yaar work life balance nahi hai.” 

This is a saying which has been discussed since the “Stone Age”. 

But the real question is, do we really understand the definition of “Work-Life Balance”? 

The most common definition is working during office hours and then not discussing work at all, but is it possible to do that? 

The general idea, however, revolves around allocating a precise amount of time for work each day — and keeping that work from overlapping with the rest of your time. 

In a book by Gábor Zöld, he has spoken about the topic and says ‘work-life balance’ or ‘work-life integration’ are overused in the tech industry rather he prefers to use the term ‘work-life awareness’. The term stands for being mindful of how your work and personal life overlap and integrate, and when they need to separate. 

Recent studies have shown that “work-life balance” has been one of the major reasons why an individual decides to work or not work with an organization. 

Work-life balance can be supported by flexible work hours, remote working options, and telecommuting. As a result, productivity will increase, and costs will decrease. Moreover, a healthy work-life balance can lead to; a higher level of job satisfaction.   

Companies that support work-life balance have less burnout and other performance problems. A healthy work-life balance lets employees enjoy their jobs, as well as their personal lives. 

Once Amitabh Bachchan said: 

“Parampara. Pratishtha. Anushasan. Yehi is gurukul ke teen stambh hain.” 

The Gurukul here is referred to the organization we have been working and the “teen stambh” stands for “three pillars” on which one can define how they want to define their work life. 

There is a famous saying: “Better work-life starts with the manager.” 

Remember - "No man goes before his time—unless the boss leaves early." — Groucho Marx. :p  

Live to work, or work to live? 

It’s a question that many members of the modern workforce are asking themselves. 

For many people, work finishes at the end of the working day. But for many more, it can eat into the evening and even the weekend. 

Some employees welcome this, but others abort it. 

So, it is you who decides what suits you the most. 

"Remember that work and life coexist. Wellness at work follows you home and vice versa." —Melissa Steginus