Work-life balance has become a post pandemic phrase possibly as irritating as “the new normal”. The conventional interpretation of work-life balance was mostly considered to be the separation between the workplace and home. The global pandemic of 2020 brought about a profound reassessment of what balance means today.
Pre-pandemic work-life balance
Before the pandemic, we tended to view work-life balance as a fixed separation of professional and personal time. Most attended workplaces, and schedules were generally structured around a typical 9-to-5 model. The expectation was to leave work physically behind each day and personal time began thereafter. Commuting was part of the daily routine, with long hours often perceived as commitment and success.
Despite some improvements such as flexible working hours, remote working tended to be something we did to catch up on work with the convenience of being at home. Those who wanted balance often felt pressured to choose between career and personal well-being. The concept of “balance” was more about compartmentalising two aspects of life, with little flexibility for blending them.
The shift
The pandemic disrupted all previous conventions. As millions of us were forced to adopt remote work overnight, kitchens, bedrooms and living rooms became offices, and personal boundaries blurred. For many, the line between work and personal life disappeared. While remote work initially seemed like an opportunity for more flexible scheduling, it led to burnout for many, as they struggled to turn off work mode. This shift highlighted the importance of autonomy and the ability to manage work schedules.
Nonetheless, we discovered that work could still get done without commuting, without attending in-person meetings, or maintaining the usual office dynamics. Much investigation since, tells us that productivity did not necessarily suffer. However, it also exposed the potential drawbacks of a non-structured work environment. The pressure to be constantly available or online, combined with a lack of clear boundaries, led to increased stress, anxiety, and burnout for many.
A new interpretation of balance?
As we learned how to manage this new interpretation of balance, rather than trying to compartmentalise work and personal life, many now advocate for a more integrated approach. The idea is no longer about achieving defined boundaries and equal time for both, but rather about finding stability between work and life based on individual needs and preferences.
For many, it means continuing to adopt remote and/or hybrid models, providing the flexibility to manage personal obligations and work in a more fluid and adaptive manner. The concept of balance is increasingly seen as something that should be customisable and not necessarily one thing.
Many organisations are recognising the importance of mental health and wellness in maintaining a healthy work-life balance, acknowledging that a well-rested and mentally healthy workforce is more productive and engaged. This evolution points to a more human-cantered approach to work.
The future of work-life balance
If nothing else, the pandemic revealed we should never say never; work can be done differently. Where once video conferencing was considered a last resort, it’s now a common and frequently used tool allowing more flexibly and greater attention to personal needs.
Moving forward, work-life balance will continue evolving, influenced by technology and changing employee expectations. It may no longer be about perfectly dividing time between work and life, but about designing a lifestyle that allow both professional success and personal happiness.
In the future, balance may look different for everyone. Organisations that embrace and leverage individuality and difference are the most likely to be sustainable and succeed long term.
