“Humanity is acquiring all the right technology for all the wrong reasons.”
R. Buckminster Fuller
We live in a world full of technology which has resulted in huge benefits to society; from electric cars, saving lives, to contactless payment systems. Amazingly it allows us to communicate with the special people in our lives by text, call and video which is invaluable when working away from home.
As with most good things, there are downsides; one being the blurring of the lines between work and home life.
In this blog post we want to explore the question, ‘is it possible to achieve work/life balance in todays “blurred” world, and if so, how?’
A Few Facts
When I started my first job, I left work for the day and went home to see family and friends. Even when email was first on the scene, it never even occurred to me to check my work emails.
Sadly, times and expectations have changed. We’re living in a NOW culture; we all expect and want reponses immediately. Do we ever truly leave work behind when we leave the office or swtich off the laptop? So how many hours are we currently working in the UK on a weekly basis?
According to a recent survey, the average office worker puts in 35 hours per week. Digging a bit deeper into the data reveals another side to the story:
Now wait for it; 64% of office workers stay behind after work at least twice a month, and almost half of them stay behind on a weekly basis. The 48-hour week is getting ever closer. Then again some of you may be thinking only 48!
Let’s go back to my question. Is work/life balance possible?
I firmly believe it’s a resounding YES. For example; the Netherlands has one of the shortest working weeks in the world working an average of 29 hours, followed closely by Denmark and France.
So, how do we create a greater work life balance for ourselves?
What Can Governments Do?
With the wealth of information available about the impact to mental and physical health, it’s time for Governments to improve employment laws that influence what employers can do to create healthier working environments for all of us.
What Can Employers Do?
What Can We As Individuals Do?
Finally, remember we are all individuals and one person’s idea of work/ life balance will differ to another’s. What is important is finding a balance that works for you, your family and your
professional life.
Thanks,
Rachel Hewitt-Hall
About Excel Communications
Excel Communications has a 30+ year history as a global leadership and communication skills organisation dedicated to exceeding the expectations of clients through the training and development of their business and people.
We have a team of expert trainers delivering programmes across four continents in multiple languages. Isn’t it time you got in touch? Call us now on +44 (0) 1628 488 854.