Work-Life Balance, Happiness at Work, on Employee Performance
Introduction
The line between work and life has been the subject of interest amongst scholars and practitioners nowadays.
Several factors have been found to have sparked this interest and these include changes of demographic
composition in the labor market and in the amount and place of work, and increases in work hours (Helmle et al.,
2014), A person can live a life that is happy, healthy and successful when there is work-life Balance.
Work-life Balance has indeed become a pimary concern to those wishing to have good quality of life ( Breitenecker and Shah, 2018) The notion of Work-life Balance has been described by many, and for the majority, work encompasses the venue of official tasks to be accomplished by individual while executing a given job. Accordingly, life encompasses a collection of activities not related to work for instance household chores and childcare. In this regard, balance is achieved when there is harmony between work and life. (Semlali and Hassi, 2016) Since the last decades, the concept of Work-life Balance has been viewed as crucial to both organizations and people, and it has indeed been found to greatly contribute in the improvement of productivity of employees which in turn impacts the performance of organizations in positive manner (Guthrie, 2012)
Work-life Balance has indeed become a pimary concern to those wishing to have good quality of life ( Breitenecker and Shah, 2018) The notion of Work-life Balance has been described by many, and for the majority, work encompasses the venue of official tasks to be accomplished by individual while executing a given job. Accordingly, life encompasses a collection of activities not related to work for instance household chores and childcare. In this regard, balance is achieved when there is harmony between work and life. (Semlali and Hassi, 2016) Since the last decades, the concept of Work-life Balance has been viewed as crucial to both organizations and people, and it has indeed been found to greatly contribute in the improvement of productivity of employees which in turn impacts the performance of organizations in positive manner (Guthrie, 2012)
Why Work Life Balance Is Important For Everyone?
- Making a bigger impact at work and in the world (but without sacrificing your personal healthy or happiness for it),
- Having a positive impact on your kids’ lives,
- Being present in the moment (with actual space to think),
- Prioritizing what’s important to you (including self-care) without guilt, shame or apology,
- Having strong boundaries that you feel good about enforcing, and
- Letting go of trying to do/have it all.
- Making a bigger impact at work and in the world (but without sacrificing your personal healthy or happiness for it),
- Having a positive impact on your kids’ lives,
- Being present in the moment (with actual space to think),
- Prioritizing what’s important to you (including self-care) without guilt, shame or apology,
- Having strong boundaries that you feel good about enforcing, and
- Letting go of trying to do/have it all.
References
- Abdallah, A. B., Obeidat, B. Y., Aqqad, N. O., Al Janini, M. N. K., & Dahiyat, S. E. (2017). An Integrated Model of Job Involvement, Job Satisfaction and Organizational Commitment: A Structural Analysis in Jordan’s Banking Sector. Communications and Network, 9(1), 28-53. https://doi.org/10.4236/cn.2017.91002
- Abualoush, S. H., Obeidat, A. M., Ali, A., Masa’deh, R., & Al-Badi, A. (2018a). "The role of employees’ empowerment as an intermediary variable between knowledge management and information systems on employees’ performance". VINE Journal of Information and Knowledge Management Systems, 48(2), 217-237. https://doi.org/10.1108/VJIKMS-08-2017-0050
- Emslie, C., & Hunt, K. (2009). “Live to work or work to live?”. The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Organizational Psychology, 3, 54-65.
- Guthrie, V. M. J. (2012). "Management control of work-life balance. A narrative study of an Australian financial institution". Journal of Human Resource Costing & Accounting, 16(4), 258-280. https://doi.org/10.1108/14013381211317248
- Hon, A., & Chan, W. (2013). “The effects of group conflict and work stress on employee performance”. Cornell Hospitality Quarterly, 54(2), 174-184. https://doi.org/10.1177/1938965513476367
- Lavoie, M. (2004). “Post Keynesian consumer theory: potential synergies with consumer research and economic psychology”. Journal of Economic Psychology, 25(5), 639-649. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joep.2003.02.001
I agree with your points, Work-life balance is important for people of all ages since it adds to general well-being, health, and personal fulfillment. It entails striking a balance between the responsibilities of one's job and the different parts of one's personal life, such as family, relationships, health, hobbies, and leisure activities. Recognizing the significance of work-life balance and actively aiming for it may lead to a healthier, happier, and more successful life for people of all ages, occupations, and backgrounds.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment Sampath , Appreciated, With a satisfactory work-life balance, employers can reap a range of benefits. Productivity is higher, absenteeism is lower, and physical and mental health improves with a higher commitment and motivation to work.
DeleteThis introduction provides a comprehensive overview of the importance of work-life balance, touching on its relevance in both personal and professional spheres. It effectively highlights how the concept has evolved due to changing work dynamics and the desire for a higher quality of life.
ReplyDeleteBataineh (2019) states that a healthy work-life balance and a positive work environment contribute to higher levels of employee engagement. Engaged employees are more committed to their roles, motivated to contribute their best efforts, and take ownership of their work.
Hi Divvigaa, thanks for your valuable comment,
DeleteA good work-life balance means you have harmony (most of the time) between the different aspects of your life. Outside of work you will have time to spend on other things, such as caring for yourself and your family, and leisure activities.
It is interesting to go through your article. Work-life balance is a critical topic of discussion in today's fast-paced world. With the advent of technology, work has become more accessible around the clock, blurring the lines between professional and personal lives. This has raised concerns about burnout, stress-related health issues, and decreased overall well-being. With a satisfactory work-life balance, employers can reap a range of benefits. Productivity is higher, absenteeism is lower, and physical and mental health improve with a higher commitment and motivation to work. Personal relationships can also benefit from achieving this balance.
ReplyDeleteHi Nuwan , Thanks for your comment. we need to go with the technology & Technology can automate routine tasks, freeing up more time to work on your business instead of working in your business. This reduces workload and stress levels which improves work-life balance.
DeleteAgreed, Work-life balance refers to maintaining a harmonious equilibrium between one's professional commitments and personal life, including non-work activities such as household chores and childcare. This balance is crucial for enhancing overall well-being and productivity. It involves effectively managing time and energy to prevent work from overpowering personal life, and vice versa (Koubova, V., & Buchko, A. A. - 2013). Achieving work-life balance allows individuals to fulfill their work responsibilities while also nurturing their personal needs and relationships.
ReplyDeleteHi Gayani,
DeleteAgreed your comment. When you have a good work-life balance, you're more likely to have the mental and emotional energy to give your children the loving attention they need to develop, learn and thrive. A well-balanced family life can also help you enjoy life, manage stress and prevent burnout at work
Your insightful analysis of the evolving focus on work-life balance captures the essence of modern work dynamics. The interplay between changes in labor markets, work hours, and demographic composition speaks volumes about the shifting landscape of work. Your mention of work-life balance as a cornerstone for a happy, healthy, and successful life resonates strongly.
ReplyDeleteHi Dilanka ,
DeleteThanks for your comment .Professionals who work long hours that spill into evenings and even weekends don't have enough time for their personal life. Neglecting it can quickly lead to burnout and strained personal relationships. Finding harmony between your work and personal life is the key to living a well-balanced life
You've highlighted a fundamental truth about the significance of work-life balance. The concept's importance extends beyond individual well-being; it's a driving force for both organizational and personal success. The observation that work-life balance significantly boosts employee productivity resonates deeply. When employees feel empowered to balance their professional and personal lives, it creates a ripple effect that positively influences the organization's overall performance. The reference to Guthrie (2012) adds weight to this perspective. This insight underscores how investing in work-life balance is a strategic move that pays dividends, not only in terms of improved employee satisfaction but also in the enhanced productivity and success of the organization as a whole.
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DeleteI appreciate your thoughtful response, as per the reference to Guthrie (2012) reinforces the idea that investing in work-life balance is a strategic decision for organizations. this reference will help to get more understand about how important work life balance to our life
Your article is thought provoking and it examines the value of work-life balance in the modern workplace, emphasising how it may improve quality of life, increase employee productivity, and have a beneficial impact on overall performance. Recent research by Bloom et al, (2021) suggests that fostering work-life balance not only improves employee job satisfaction and overall happiness but also has a positive impact on creativity and innovation within organizations.
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DeleteThank you for highlighting the value of the article's perspective on work-life balance and for sharing the recent research by Bloom et al. (2021). This research reinforces the idea that fostering work-life balance can lead to a range of positive outcomes, including improved job satisfaction, overall happiness, creativity, and innovation within organizations. Also that prioritize the well-being and work-life balance of their employees often experience greater success in terms of employee engagement, productivity, and innovation, as your reference suggests.
Companies like Google have invested more in employee support and employee satisfaction has risen as a result. For Google, it rose by 37%, they know what they are talking about. Under scientifically controlled conditions, making workers happier really pays off.
ReplyDelete“The driving force seems to be that happier workers use the time they have more effectively, increasing the pace at which they can work without sacrificing quality.”
A very interesting article Maneesha! Thanks for your the time and effort invested in formulating the same. Agreed with your article! Maintaining a harmonic balance between one's professional and personal obligations, including non-work tasks like childcare and housework, is referred to as "work-life balance." The improvement of general wellbeing and productivity depends on this equilibrium. Article by Meenakshi, (2013) provides concrete evidence in favour of your article.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment for my article , which is crucial for overall wellbeing and productivity. Meenakshi's (2013) article provides concrete evidence, and academic research supports the benefits for individuals and organizations, it is good article to go through. Thanks Angelo
DeleteHi Maneesha,
ReplyDeleteAgreed with your points.
A harmonious work-life balance significantly improves an employee's well-being and professional performance. This balance promotes sound physical and mental health, positive interpersonal relationships, and increased job effectiveness. Achieving this balance avoids stress and excessive workloads, allowing employees to maintain motivation and focus. Employees become enthusiastic advocates for their employer, fostering loyalty and connection, ultimately contributing to a positive corporate reputation. (Wedgwood, 2022)
Wedgwood, J. (2022). The Importance of Work-Life Balance | The Happiness Index. [online] thehappinessindex.com. Available at: https://thehappinessindex.com/blog/importance-work-life-balance/.Acessed on 29th Aug 2023
Thanks for your recommendation for the above reference , it has explained further details of Collaborate with your team to identify potential changes to improve balance and gain insight into their thinking. This will enable more effective teamwork and future strategies.
DeleteHi Maneesha, I agree with you, You've provided a concise and informative overview of the concept of work-life balance, its importance, and its impact on both individuals and organizations. Your references to various studies add credibility to your points.
ReplyDeleteWork-life balance and happiness at work have a significant impact on employee performance. When employees feel satisfied with their work-life balance and experience happiness in their workplace, they are more likely to be productive, engaged, and motivated. The article provides a comprehensive explanation about above mentioned
ReplyDeleteYour thoughtful exploration of the importance of work-life balance is excellent. You've provided a clear overview of the factors driving the interest in this topic, along with well-cited scholarly references. Your description of work-life balance, its impact on both individuals and organizations, and the reasons it's important for personal well-being and success are well-articulated. The concise points highlighting the benefits of work-life balance are spot-on and provide a compelling case for its significance. Great job!
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