WTF is Work-Life Balance?
Hustle culture was the buzzword of 2019 into 2020. Then the pandemic struck and totally disrupted workplace culture and how we view the work/life paradigm. We said goodbye to the days when it was the norm to stay up until 2AM working and being consistently on the brink of burnout.
As a recruitment agency, we've observed a significant shift in priorities among job seekers. No longer is salary the main motivator. Today, the majority of questions we get from candidates center around company culture, flexibility, and, of course, work-life balance. According to Zippa, 72% of workers believe work-life balance is a significant factor when choosing a job, and 57% of job-seekers say a poor work-life balance is a dealbreaker when considering a new job.*
But, WTF does work-life balance even mean?
What is Work-Life Balance?
Now that we’ve established that hustle culture is out and work-life balance is in, WTF does it mean!?
At the most fundamental level, work-life balance is about creating a harmonious equilibrium between one’s professional responsibilities and personal life. It's the sweet spot where neither overshadows the other, allowing individuals to be productive at work, yet still have time and energy for their personal interests and loved ones. People now realize they want to work to live, not live to work. This means setting boundaries with employers, pulling back on fast-paced work environments, and unplugging outside work hours.
Beyond the 9-to-5 Paradigm
Work-life balance doesn't necessarily mean working from 9-to-5 and then having the rest of the time off. It's more nuanced:
Flexible Hours: It might mean having flexible starting and ending times, or the possibility to compress work hours.
Remote Work: Especially post-pandemic, the ability to work from home or other locations has become a significant part of the work-life balance equation.
Mental Space: Balance also means being able to disconnect from work mentally, not just physically. This could mean not checking work emails after hours or not being expected to be on-call during weekends.
Gauging Work Life Balance During Interviews:
Assessing whether a company cares about creating a work environment where employees can achieve a work-life balance is not easy. It’s not enough for a company to state they value balance; its practices and expectations should reflect it. We’re here to help you sniff out the fluff and understand if work-life balance is achievable at a prospective new company.
Research the Company's Culture: Before your interview, dive into the company's culture. Research their values, mission, and employee testimonials. Companies that prioritize work-life balance often have these values ingrained in their culture. Look for keywords like "flexibility," "wellness programs," and "employee satisfaction" on their website or social media platforms.
Ask the Right Questions: Craft thoughtful questions that provide insight into the company's stance on work-life balance:
a. How does the company support employee well-being and work-life balance? What kind of resources are offered?
b. Can you describe the company's approach to flexible work hours or remote work?
c. Are there opportunities for professional development and growth?
d. What is the overtime work policy? How frequently do employees work overtime?
e. How does the company handle employee burnout and stress?
Observe the Interview Process: How a company conducts its interview process can explain its respect for work-life balance. If the interview is well-structured, respectful of your time, and emphasizes your strengths rather than solely focusing on challenges, it indicates a company that values its employees' well-being. Also, take note of interview timing; if the interview is at unusual work hours, like early in the morning or late at night, that is a good indication of what the work hours for the job will be like.
What companies can do to encourage work-life balance
Mental Health Benefits: Offer subscriptions to meditation apps or reimburse therapy sessions.
Physical Health Initiatives: Provide gym memberships, fitness tracker reimbursements, or organize company-wide fitness challenges.
Childcare or Eldercare Benefits: If you require employees to be in the office multiple times a week, providing them with onsite childcare or stipends for elder care can go a long way. This gives employees more support and a work-life balance, which is becoming a requirement for talent seeking their next career move
Unlimited or Flexible Time-Off Policies: The desire for flexibility is a top priority for talent; therefore, providing them unlimited vacation or flexible work hours can help an employer stand out in a competitive market. However, as an organization, it is essential to encourage employees to use unlimited vacation as it can occasionally be discouraging for employees if they can’t grasp a company’s real expectations on this front.
Generous Leave Policies: Extended maternity and paternity leave. Sabbaticals or additional vacation days.
Final Thoughts
Work-life balance, far from being just a trendy catchphrase, represents a deep-seated need in the modern workforce. It’s about respect, understanding, and genuine care for an employee's well-being. Companies that recognize and act on this not only attract top talent but foster environments where innovation, loyalty, and productivity flourish. As for us in the recruitment arena? We're here to help navigate the path to a balanced, fulfilling professional journey.
Sources:
*5 Tips To Ensure A Healthier Work-Life Balance In Your Company. (n.d.). Nectarhr.com. Retrieved September 29, 2023, from https://nectarhr.com/blog/work-life-balance#:~:text=Research%20says%2072%25%20of%20workers
