![]() “Balance” Doesn’t Mean “Equal Time to Everything” So while remote work can offer convenience and freedom, this shouldn’t be mistaken for balance. Also, remote work doesn’t alleviate the challenges described above of back-to-back meetings, always-on expectations, or constant distractions. Studies show that remote workers often work more hours than people who report to an office, taking their time away from other things. Often, this benefit of freedom and convenience is referred to as a better “work-life balance.” But “balance” and “convenience” aren’t the same. And this is why many people like it-especially primary caregivers in a household. We might say that working from home allows us to be productive in our personal lives while working. It allows us to fill small gaps in our work day with personal tasks and activities, so we can get more of those done. This freedom from permission/explanation/expectations is what makes working from home easier and more convenient. For example, when our workplace is our home, we can walk the dog, work out, run a quick errand, throw in a load of laundry, prep dinner, go to a doctor’s appointment, and care for a sick family member, all while still doing varying amounts of “work” AND-the real benefit- while mostly keeping these behaviors hidden from others, so there is no need for explanations or permission.Ĭonversely, when we must report to an office for work, some of the personal activities listed above are impossible, and the rest require us to receive permission from, provide an explanation to, or balance the expectations of, other people. ![]() I wholeheartedly agree that it’s helpful, convenient, and easier when we can manage our personal lives without interference from work. But in my experience, what this really means is that working from home makes managing one’s personal life easier and more convenient. Some employees are more likely to say that their “work-life balance” improves when they can work from home. Knowledge work is likely to improve when your physical well-being, emotional well-being, and creativity are optimized. And don’t forget about remote employees when having special events or projects at work.Ĭheck out our 5 Culture Trends for 2021 and see how you can be prepared to help your employees thrive, no matter what new challenges may come their way.Time away from work also allows the opportunity to engage in activities that stimulate creativity-travel, dining, conversation, books, movies, hobbies. Have ways to communicate important information to all employees, whether they are physically in the office at a particular time or not. While employees may choose to do much of their work outside the office, be sure to provide space and time at work for in-person interactions and socialization. Have messaging apps, teleconferencing tools, and shared online workspaces available to make it easier for employees to work from anywhere, anytime.ģ) Prioritize connection. Not every job role can accommodate this, but when possible, allow employees to choose to what degree they want to integrate their work and personal lives.Ģ) Provide technology to allow for work-life integration. Organizations should allow flexibility as far as when, where, and how employees do their work:ġ) Create policies that allow flexibility in employee work schedules. Studies have shown that, particularly for millennials and working parents, flexibility is more important than salary when employees consider potential jobs. It creates a culture that shows the organization values and cares for its people beyond as just a means of production, but also as individuals. Work-life integration improves employee wellbeing and engagement by lowering stress, and may even promote more innovation, as many people do their best thinking and work away from the office. A Glassdoor survey found 87% of employees expect their employers to support a balance between their work and personal lives. The idea of work-life integration has become increasingly popular with younger generations and working parents. Work-life integration means work and life are interchangeable throughout the day, understanding that both work life and personal life are important, integrated parts of an individual’s whole life. ![]() You have both work and personal apps on your phone. It’s being able to browse social media in between meetings, leaving early to attend a yoga class on Mondays, or volunteering at your child’s school on Thursday mornings. Work-life integration means checking emails during your child’s soccer game, finishing up a proposal in the middle of your vacation, or finalizing a sales presentation right before you go to bed. Work-life integration is not as black and white–it’s where work life and home life overlap and integrate. You work reasonable hours and are also able to enjoy a robust home life. Work-life balance is being able to balance your home life with your work life.
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