The Future of Work-Life Balance: The important lessons from Working from Home
Updated: Jun 21, 2020
By Brenda Hobin
Companies tend to benefit when employees have better control and management over their personal lives. The employees are happier at home and as such when they are at work, they can concentrate better and as such more efficient and effective.
Happier people tend to sleep better, apply themselves constructively to conflict resolutions, transform obstacles into opportunities, light-hearted and take time to engage and empathize with others and most importantly, they make time for themselves. Studies have also shown companies with a reputation for promoting work-life balance tends to attract and retain a better pool of employees.
During the pandemic, the line between work and life have somewhat blurred as employees and companies are relying fully on technology to carry out their business activities. Employees are checking emails and answering to chats or calls at all hours as home is the office, and office is home. This blurring of the boundaries meant employees are working longer hours, and less time at home. The long term impact can be detrimental to the health of the employees which in turn affects productivity and efficiency.
Employees have a responsibility to draw a clear boundary to ensure they can achieve optimal performance during this period. COVID-19 is not leaving us anytime soon nor the fact a new pandemic will emerge at some stage. As such, it is prudent for employees to make some fundamental adjustments to their virtual workings to achieve work-life balance, by learning and reflecting on the current situations and working conditions.
What can companies and employees do to maintain work-life balance?
Vacation
Time off from work is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Time off from work will help employee to stop thinking about the work, allowing them to recharge their batteries, returning to work more energised and creative.
Mini breaks throughout the day
Take mini breaks throughout the day. The human eye was not originally designed to look at the computer screen all day so taking mini breaks away from the computer is necessary for your overall health and wellbeing.
Right to disconnect
Companies need to do the same, the supervisors should not call the employers after office hours or on rest days. Lead by example, employees will mirror the working hours of their supervisors. This will allow the employees to fully switch off and recharge for the next working day.