Does Wanting Work/Life Balance Make You Lazy?
Posted on January 18, 2024 by Mary Cook, One of Thousands of Leadership Coaches on Noomii.
Some say asking for work life balance is a sign of someone who’s unmotivated or lazy. Is this true? Does wanting work life balance make you lazy?
Introduction
Now more than ever, the concept of work/life balance is something that seems to be popping up across all industries. Some skeptics argue that seeking work/life balance is synonymous with laziness, unwillingness to work hard, or a lack of commitment to the company. Does wanting work/life balance make you lazy or is there more to be considered? In this article we explore what having work/life balance really means and the effect it can have on both employers and employees.
What Is Work/Life Balance, Really?
Work/life balance refers to the equilibrium between your personal commitments, such as family, hobbies, and self-care, and your professional responsibilities and aspirations. Achieving work/life balance means finding a way to allocate time and energy to both at a ratio that works for you. That ratio can vary significantly based on each individual’s priorities. It can also vary for one person at different times in their life. Regardless of where the ratio lies on the spectrum for you at this time, Obtaining work/life balance involves setting boundaries, managing time effectively, and properly prioritizing both your personal and professional activities.
Why Is Everyone So Focused On Work/Life Balance Now?
The topic of having work/life balance has never been more prevalent than it has been in recent years. One of the main reasons it has been brought to the forefront has to do with the fact that advancements in technology have made it easier for employees to remain connected to work outside of traditional working hours and locations. This has blurred the boundaries between work and personal life, leading to an increased desire for balance. The widespread shut down in 2021 from the COVID pandemic continued to blur these boundaries. Many office workers found themselves working remotely for a year or more. For a lot of people, this opened the doors to work/life balance possibilities that wouldn’t have even been considered options prior to the pandemic. Additionally, younger generations entering the workforce, such as millennials and Gen Z, prioritize work/life balance and value a healthy integration of personal and professional life in ways that are different from earlier generations. Lastly, in recent years we have seen an increased focus on mental health lessening the stigma around these topics. This paves the way for more conversations about personal-well being to be had in mainstream society.
How Does Having Work/Life Balance Help Employees?
Maybe your work/life balance isn’t where you would like for it to be, but it’s where it has been for years. Why should you care about investing the time and effort to make a change? Consider what’s in it for you. Having work/life balance promotes better mental and physical health by reducing stress levels and preventing burnout. When you have time to recharge and engage in activities that you enjoy outside of work, you are more likely to be energized and motivated in your professional roles. This can not only make work more enjoyable and increase job satisfaction, but it can also allow you to excel at work in ways that you may not be currently. Additionally, work/life balance creates the space for you to prioritize personal relationships, family, and self-care, which can lead to an improved overall sense of well-being.
What’s In It For Employers?
Employees who feel like their personal lives are respected are more likely to be committed to their job and employer. As mentioned above, having work/life balance improves employee well-being, reducing stress levels and promotes better mental and physical health. This, in turn, leads to increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, and increased job satisfaction. You don’t need an MBA to know that if your team members have a higher level of job satisfaction, they are more likely to be collaborative, maintain a supportive work environment, and are less likely to leave. Finally, reputation matters. If your team or company fosters positive work/life balance resulting in a more positive and supportive environment, not only are you more likely to improve and retain your current talent, but it will also help in attracting top talent and boost your overall company reputation and make it more attractive to potential clients and customers who value socially responsible organizations.
Conclusion
The notion that wanting work/life balance equates to laziness is a misconception. Investing in work/life balance is not only beneficial for employees but also for employers. It promotes better mental and physical health, improves job satisfaction and loyalty, and enhances overall productivity and well-being which benefits everyone. It’s critical for employers and employees to recognize the importance of work/life balance and work together to move towards it as opposed to fearing or condemning it.
