Written by Alexander Hamilton, R&D Analyst
Work-life balance has become an increasingly important topic for both leaders and employees, but reactions to it can vary across generations. Work has changed dramatically since the invention of the Blackberry in 1999 which was one of the first times we held the internet in our hands. With the explosion of smartphones in the years that followed, work is now accessible 24/7, 365 days a year, blurring the lines between professional and personal life.
For past generations, the workday was truly 9-to-5. Once you clocked out, you went home, spent time with your family, and enjoyed the rewards of your labor. There was not only a time barrier but also a physical one. Fast forward to today and work can be done anytime, anywhere, erasing the distinction between an employee and their job. So, how can someone find balance between work and life today? How can employers help improve work-life balance? And should it be a priority for them?
What is work-life balance?
In its simplest terms, work-life balance means making sure you have enough time and energy for both your job and your personal life. It’s about not letting work take over everything or letting personal life get neglected. While attempts have been made to officially define work-life balance, there remains no academic consensus. Despite not having a universally agreed-upon definition, several common themes help define its core principles. Monique Valcour, a leading scholar, describes work-life balance as “a concept whose popular usage has outpaced its theoretical development.”
In their research on the relationship between work-life balance and engagement, Jacob Wood and his colleagues derived a definition rooted in common themes of work-family conflict and resource distribution. They found that employees achieve work-life balance when they experience “a sufficient degree of satisfaction at both home and work.” This balance is achieved through “attentive engagement in multiple roles, with time and involvement distributed roughly equally.” Some critics argue that this definition overlooks subjective interpretations of work-life balance, while others question whether true work-life balance is even attainable. Nonetheless, Wood’s definition is pragmatic, aligning with public understanding of what work-life balance is while being grounded in theory.
What is work-life imbalance?
Work-life imbalance occurs when individuals face demands that threaten or drain their resources faster than they can restore them. In other words, work-life imbalance happens when work takes up so much of your time and energy that you don’t have enough left for other important parts of your life – like family or hobbies – leaving most people feeling unhappy and stressed.
While there are several explanations for what causes work-life imbalance, the Conservation of Resources (COR) theory is a key framework that offers practical insights for leaders and HR professionals. COR suggests that humans are driven to protect their resources and acquire new ones, making it useful for understanding a wide range of behaviors. This theory highlights ‘loss spirals,’ where losing one resource makes it harder to maintain others. For example, if John Smith is given only two days to complete a financial report that requires five, he faces a threat to his resources or things that bring him joy outside of work (e.g., picking up his kids from school, participating in his soccer league, or attending a weekly lunch with coworkers). Although these may seem like small sacrifices, they provide John with stress relief and emotional support, and without them, he risks losing additional resources. This imbalance isn’t limited to work; significant resource loss in any area can lead to employee burnout if not addressed.
Why is work-life balance important?
Work-life balance is important for employees to prioritize as it helps them stay happy, healthy, and less stressed by ensuring they have enough time for both work and the things outside of work that they enjoy. Though some view ‘work’ and ‘life’ as competing interests, the Conservation of Resources framework encourages leaders to see work-life balance as beneficial for both the company and the employee’s well-being. A common misconception is that achieving work-life balance means working less or being less engaged at work. However, it’s all about resources according to the COR, and leaders must recognize that an employee’s life outside of work is a critical resource for high job performance.
Research shows that family plays a significant role in performance at work, especially when family conflicts deplete this resource. Cornelia Niessen explains that work-life balance provides employees with energy, self-efficacy, and a positive attitude, which intrinsically motivates them to stay engaged at work. Additionally, maintaining a healthy work-life balance is strongly linked to improved employee mental health, job satisfaction, and commitment to their organization. Rather than viewing life and work as conflicting, they should be seen as mutually reinforcing.
How to improve work-life balance
It’s important for employees to maintain a healthy balance between work and their personal lives. Here are some ways to improve your work-life balance:
- Set clear boundaries: Define specific work hours and stick to this schedule to avoid letting work spill into your personal time.
- Prioritize tasks: Focus on high-priority tasks at work and delegate or postpone less important ones to manage your workload effectively.
- Take breaks: Regularly take short breaks during the workday to recharge and prevent burnout.
How employers can improve work-life balance
Supporting employees with additional resources doesn’t always require large financial investments. An organization’s leadership plays a crucial role in helping employees improve work-life balance and overall well-being. Employers have many opportunities to offer valuable resources, such as flexible work hours, parental leave, and employee resource groups. One study found that supervisors with strong communication skills and role competency significantly improved their employees’ mental health. Additionally, good communication between supervisors and staff not only boosts productivity but also enhances employee well-being.
Another study found that perceived supervisor support strongly influences work-life balance outcomes. While perks like flexible hours are valuable, the most important resource an employee can have is a positive and supportive relationship with their supervisor.
The impact of leadership on work-life balance
According to The Workforce Institute at UKG, 69% of people said their manager had the greatest impact on their mental health — on par with their spouse or partner. Therefore, it’s crucial for employers to help their leaders understand that they have the opportunity to be one of the most significant resources in helping employees achieve a positive balance between their lives at work and at home.
Work-life balance is not a fixed construct but one that evolves based on life circumstances and events. Leaders have the opportunity to promote favorable outcomes by providing necessary resources and support for their team. By recognizing that employees’ lives outside of work are essential to their job performance, leaders can help their organizations foster environments where work and life don’t just coexist, they also benefit one another. The best leaders provide opportunities that help employees mitigate the inevitable threat or loss of resources, creating healthier and more productive workplaces.
Why prioritizing work-life balance is essential for success
Understanding the importance of work-life balance is the key to retaining a happy workforce. When employees can manage their work and personal lives effectively, they experience less stress, higher job satisfaction, and greater productivity. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for achieving work-life balance in today’s fast-paced world, it remains an essential focus for both organizations and their employees moving forward.
