Everyday the world changes bit by bit. Each day new life is brought into the world, new technology is developed, and more jobs are created. These are just a few of the many changes that occur throughout the world on a daily basis. While it may be occurring at a slow pace there is another aspect that is changing the word. That aspect is a work-life balance.
Work-life balance is what is known as the balance between work and life. Until recently many businesses seemed completely unaware that there was even a connection between the two, but that is slowly beginning to change. All around the world more businesses are realizing the connection between work and life and the impact it may have on their business.
Many businesses used to focus on the theory that their employees must devote their work time to their work and work alone. It was often unheard of for employers to allow their employees to leave work due to unexpected emergencies without making their unhappiness known. This is because many employers believed that their employees were hired to work; therefore, it the only thing that they should be doing. As the world is changing so is the way that many employers handle life situations with their employees.
A common problem with work-life balance is that many individuals work too much. Many individuals are required to work long hours and others may even hold more than one job. This puts a time restraint on employees who need or wish to complete other activities. For this reason a negative atmosphere may be created in the workplace. To combat that negative atmosphere or attitude there are many employers who are beginning to educate themselves and their employees on work-life balance.
Many employees working for a business that was previously centered on business ethics and making profits may wonder why there is a newfound interest in work-life balance. Employees who learn successful tools in balancing their work with the rest of their life are likely to be happier. This increased happiness can create positive work environments. Employers know that positive work environments mean better results and better results often translate into profits.
Understanding and developing a routine centered on work-life balance is not only beneficial to employers. Employees, their family, and their friends can all benefit from a positive work-life balance. Once a balance between work and life has been established a working parent may be able to spend more time with family. Work-life balance is not just for individuals with families. Everyone can benefit from work-life balance because it allows individuals to spend more time with their friends or participate in fun activities.
For many years now individuals have always known that they needed to balance work with the rest of their life, but employer participation is a fairly new thing. Whether a work-life balance program has been in place for years now or it is just starting up, there are a number of benefits to learning and understanding the connection between work and life.
— Jennifer Foote.
We will continue to discuss work & life balance in the series of Achieving Work-Life Balance. Stay tuned.
