Although difficult to achieve, work and life balance is a common pursuit for many. There are several possible reasons why it is not straightforward, yet much can be done to improve the situation.
A number of factors make it almost impossible to separate life from work. Firstly, ever-increasing competition for employment, particularly in urban areas, is causing many people to work longer hours to stay competitive. In addition, key performance indicators in most organisations emphasise quantity over quality, which in many cases make people take work home. Employees, as a result, are suffering from reduced family time and relaxation. Secondly, even individuals are willing to sacrifice their leisure time for the sake of their careers, which is probably driven by their materialistic aspirations. Many people are working two jobs to meet their hefty expenses, chasing after big purchases, such as luxury cars, houses and modern gadgets. In short, lack of job stability and rise of consumerism appear to be stifling opportunities to live a balanced life.
However, several steps can be taken to abate the issue. One possible solution would be to increase job security with the help of legislation. Providing that jobs were secured with state laws, people would feel less anxious about losing their jobs. In turn, they might start to spend more time with their families and keep a healthier balance between their work and life. A clear case in point would be Japan where most employment contracts are made for lifetime, as a result of which people lead better lives in terms of their work and private life. Therefore, it is important for governments to promote job security with regulations.
Another stronger measure would be for employers to encourage their workers to strike a balance between work and play. As a matter of fact, employees with healthy family lives are more productive and creative, thus bringing more benefits to their companies. There have been many suggestions for organisations to promote better work and life balance, such as initiating a four-day working week or offering flexible working schedules, which can profoundly impact the way people manage their professional and personal lives. Alternatively, they should make sure that workers are not working overtime, which may significantly reduce their productivity and efficiency. Ultimately, it is the job givers who can make a real difference by offering employee-friendly timetables and discouraging overwork, since this is mutually beneficial.
In conclusion, the issue of broken work and life balance seems to be a complex one driven by both societal shifts and individual desire to possess more. However, it is still possible to better the situation by governmental and organisational policies geared towards supporting balanced lifestyles.