A recent interview from Reddit Co-Founder, Alexis Ohanian, set the internet and modern-day professionals ablaze. His comment in the interview, “You’ll never achieve work-life balance and you shouldn’t” sparked conversations about whether the corporates and startups are serious about following the concept or if it is only a misleading modern-day mirage.
Many CEOs and CHROs came forward with their views; while some agreed with his viewpoint, some were convinced that striking an equilibrium between professional and personal life has become more pivotal than ever before, especially after the pandemic. In the post-pandemic scenario, work-life balance has emerged as a crucial factor that determines overall organizational success. Since the conventional model of the 9-to-5 grind is rapidly evolving, today’s professionals seek environments that foster both productivity as well as wellness. As per The Michael Page India Talent Trends Report 2022, more than 61% of employees in India are willing to forgo promotions and pay-rise only to maintain work-life balance and attend to their overall well-being.
But is it possible to strike the right balance between work and leisure? Does maintaining a work-life balance mean not working enough? How does one find success in maintaining a work-life balance? Let us find out.
Today’s Evolving Work Environment
In the post-pandemic era, hybrid & remote work policies, flexible work schedules, and freelancing opportunities have blurred the lines between work and personal life. With respect to the hybrid and remote working environment, employers particularly, face the challenge of how they optimize their policies so that the debilitating effects of employee loneliness during remote working is reduced and their overall well-being is also managed.
Research conducted by Harvard Business Review suggests that coworking spaces have emerged as a viable solution for maintaining work-life balance as it not only provides the flexibility to work wherever they want to but also with whom they wish to. Venture X in Gurugram has proved to be a feasible solution for companies, freelancers, and startups of different sizes and industries as it enables its members to adapt their schedules to their personal preferences along with modern-day amenities, thus, offering the ultimate ‘pro-working’ experience.
Setting Priorities
Setting clear priorities is the cornerstone of achieving a life of balance. Working on something which is less urgent and avoiding working on projects simply because they are complex leads to mounting assignments and workload buildup; thereby resulting in increased stress and anxiety. Defining tasks and allocating energy based on their urgency, relevancy, and importance can be beneficial.
At times, when one is endowed with responsibilities and multiple tasks at work, people tend to find themselves at a spot where prioritizing work becomes extremely difficult. During that time, anyone can take the help of multiple AI tools available on the internet such as LiquidPlanner, Asana, and ClickUp, to manage their time, focus, and energy effectively. This results in managing higher workloads, stress, and burnout. It is important to recognize that achieving balance does not necessarily mean dividing your time equally; rather, it involves dedicating the appropriate amount of focus and effort to each area as needed.
Establishing Clear Boundaries
One of the most important factors that leaders in any organization should do is educate and coach their employees about how they can create well-identified boundaries between their work and personal life. Dream 11 recently came out with an innovative solution to set boundaries for their employees called switching off from work for a period of one week. Its employees can opt to completely escape all work-related emails, slack messages, calls, and WhatsApp chats while on a holiday.
Delegate and Seek Support
Delegating tasks to the team is an important characteristic of a leader. It is not always about how much work you do but rather how efficiently you delegate and lead the team to perform the given tasks. Seeking support from your peers, managers, family, and friends during a difficult and stressful period can be less excruciating. Asking for help is a sign of strength and never a sign of weakness. Collaborative efforts alleviate stress and free up time for activities that align with goals and values.
Understanding that building work-life synergy is never a day’s task. It is an ongoing process. It requires mastering self-awareness, commitment to nurturing all aspects of life, and making intentional choices. Remember, work-life balance is not about perfection; it is about creating a life that aligns with one’s aspirations and values while fostering well-being and fulfillment. We conduct regular in-house workshops and seminars on effective time management, professional discourses, and work-life balance at the Venture X workspace in Gurugram Sector 67. Stay connected with us through our newsletters and social media platforms for more information.
