ACHIEVING WORK-LIFE BALANCE THROUGH PRACTICAL COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES

 Introduction

Achieving a balance between work and personal life is important for a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. This balance can be achieved through practical communication strategies that help individuals manage their time and priorities effectively. In a world where everything is fast and productivity is highly valued, there is a work-life balance to consider. Effective communication strategies are essential for individuals in the workplace who are trying to achieve a balance between their professional and work lives. Studies conducted by the American Psychological Association showed that 71% of workers reported low job satisfaction, compared to 20% who reported the opposite. This larger percentage reported work-life stress such as not participating in decision-making, low pay, job insecurity, career stagnation, and feeling demotivated, among other stressors (American Psychological Association, 2023). In Kenya, 42% of 1,760 respondents said they were satisfied with their jobs, 47% were neither happy nor sad, and 11% were unhappy. 54% said they would leave their jobs in the next 6 months. Key areas for improvement included workplace communication, work environment, compensation, and well-being (Jenna, 2021).Ineffective communication strategies in the workplace are likely to lead to reduced productivity, misunderstandings, strained working relationships, increased conflict, and confusion. Effective communication strategies at work have been shown to increase productivity, strengthen teamwork, resolve workplace conflicts, improve work relationships, and make better decisions, among other things (Joseph R. Jayakar, 2012). The importance of effective communication such as empathic listening, effective interpersonal skills, setting healthy boundaries, and giving and receiving feedback in the workplace cannot be understated. Organizations and employees need to explore effective communication strategies to achieve a healthy work-life balance.

                            Communication barriers at work place

   It is recommended that individuals clearly understand, recognize, and address barriers to effective communication before implementing effective communication strategies in the workplace. Communication barriers are obstacles or anything that prevents effective communication in an organization or individuals. Communication barriers lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, poor working relationships, and other negative influences that can affect working relationships. Interpersonal barriers in the workplace may include, but are not limited to, cultural barriers, attitudinal barriers, physical barriers, psychological barriers, and perceptual barriers (Rani, 2016). This essay will attempt to categorize and streamline barriers into organizational and personal.

                                  Organizational barriers.

Organizational barriers refer to the obstacles that hinder the effective functioning of an organization. These obstacles can be related to communication, management, policies, practices, or any other aspect that affects the overall performance of the organization. Examples include complicated hierarchy and structure, unclear roles and responsibilities, poor leadership styles, and information overload within an organization that impedes the flow of information and organizational functioning. Complex organizational structures that employees do not understand are likely to discourage interaction. Unmonitored informal grapevine structures and filtering of information during communication up and down the organization lead to delays, misinterpretations, and lack of transparency among employees due to insufficient information flow across different levels of the organization (University of Minnesota, 2015). Language barriers, such as the use of terminology that individuals in the workplace do not understand, lead to misunderstandings within the same organization. Improper workspaces, information overload, improper timing of communication, and excessive numbers of people working on one task, among others, can hinder effective and healthy conversation (Rani, 2016

                                          Personal inhibitions

Personal barriers to effective communication can be defined as internal obstacles within an individual that can prevent individuals from communicating clearly and effectively. For example, this can distort the interpretation and understanding of the message sent (Akua Ahyia Adu-Oppong et al, 2014). There may be personal barriers that arise from a person's environment with factors such as cultures, beliefs, values, perceptions, and emotional disorders. For example, cultural factors such as gender differences and the way different communities communicate between people of the opposite sex could lead to limited openness and rigidity in changing and exchanging different perspectives, which could improve productivity in the workplace. Fear of speaking, differences in the interpretation of non-verbal signals, differences in communication styles, lack of assertiveness and difficulties in personal expression significantly affect the exchange of information and understanding between individuals Solving personal barriers, self-awareness, personal reflection, practicing active and empathic listening, shifting to new communication skills would be of great benefit (Rani, 2016).

                                        Effective communication strategies

Communication strategies refer to deliberate measures put in place by organizations or individuals to transmit information between individuals. Effective communication strategies promote a healthy work-life balance. According to Galli (2021), effective communication strategies connect individuals to project activities so that those affected are well-informed and better equipped for success. Applying effective communication strategies such as good interpersonal skills, receiving and giving feedback, empathetic active listening, and setting and maintaining boundaries contributes to a balanced work-life (Galli, 2021)

                                 Empathic active listening

Empathic active listening involves taking into account the emotions and perspectives of others, which may be expressed verbally or non-verbally. This kind of listening skill has built strong bonds of trust and respect between individuals while fostering understanding and connection. Empathic active listeners are sensitive to the other person's emotions because they are sufficiently present and attentive. For example, an attentive listener will maintain eye contact, use positive body language, and seek clarification and understanding through reflective responses and providing confirmation (Jayakar & Suman, 2012). Individuals who practice empathic active listening in the workplace can empathize, making them highly attuned to their own needs and the personal needs of others. A work environment that is formed by supportive cooperative relationships is characterized by reduced burnout and conflict, but instead there is overall well-being and job satisfaction (Ronald B. Adler, 2013).

                          Interpersonal skills

Hayes (2002) defines interpersonal skills as the abilities and behaviors individuals use to build relationships, interact with others, and maneuver through social relationships. It is important to develop and improve interpersonal relationships to create a personal and professional work-life balance. Individuals who are self-aware and have strong interpersonal skills are in a better position to communicate about work matters or propose ideas that would greatly benefit their personal and organizational needs. Effective organizations consist of leaders and employees who exhibit strong interpersonal skills. Because they are competent enough to motivate others, they are well-equipped with better problem-solving and decision-making skills. The negotiation skills they possess puts them in an admirable position not only for building healthy working relationships but also for working with diverse groups (Hayes, 2002).

                                       Feedback and feedback

Healthy feedback promotes good working relationships and better job performance. According to Ying-Leh Ling & Hieng-Soon (2019), clear feedback regarding roles and responsibilities allows individuals to better plan and be prepared for what is expected of them. For example, feedback during performance review periods allows participants to discuss workload, time management, and career development, among other things. Providing and receiving timely feedback creates a healthy work environment where individuals feel recognized, valued, and appreciated, and therefore also feel empowered to share opinions that enable them to achieve the balance between their personal and professional lives (Ying-Leh Ling & Hieng- Coming soon, 2019).

Feedforward is a future-oriented type of communication; it focuses on the future, not the past. Goldsmith (2014) notes that Feed Forward focuses on future possibilities and goal setting. Feedforward can be seen when groups allow for goal-setting discussions, have an open communication area for growth, and seek clarity about future expectations (Goldsmith, 2014). Imagining that you know what is expected of you in the future allows you to set goals that align with your expectations and helps you have strategies to achieve those goals while prioritizing your well-being. Forward communication enables individuals to thrive in their professional and personal lives.

  Communication and boundaries maintenance

Communication and boundary management are key factors in maintaining healthy relationships. It's important to establish and respect boundaries while communicating effectively to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts. Boundaries are personal and vary from person to person based on their values, preferences, and needs. Boundaries set boundaries for how we are treated and allow for accountability and open communication. Boundaries have a significant influence on the development of interpersonal relationships. Setting boundaries is an art that can be learned and one must be assertive and consistent when embarking on this journey. Setting boundaries creates better relationships, reduces conflicts, and allows you to say no or yes while effectively communicating your needs and expectations (Sanok, 2022). For example, communicating our routines, and work hours, scheduling breaks, creating a workspace, setting priorities, and assertively saying no when our boundaries are crossed are all things, we do all the time to promote better work-life balance. When boundaries are communicated and respected in the work environment, both employees and employers feel they can prioritize their well-being, individuals know what to expect so they can prepare in advance, it provides time for mutual support and facilitates an overall distribution of responsibilities while respecting each other's time (Gionta 2022).Communicating boundaries and maintaining them is key to achieving a health work life balance. Boundaries are personal and vary from one personality to another in depending on one’s values, preferences and specific needs. Boundaries sets limit on how we want to be treated, they allow accountability and open communication. Setting boundaries is an art that can be learnt and one needs to be assertive and consistent when embarking on boundary setting journey. Setting boundaries establishes better relationships and limits conflicts while effectively communicating needs and expectations (Sanok, 2022). Communicating our routines, planning for breaks, creating own work space, setting priorities and assertively saying no when our boundaries are crossed is something, we should continually do to maintain a better work life.

  Conclusion

Effective communication is key to achieving work life balance. Effective communication is key to achieving work-life balance. When employees and managers consistently make time for conversations to share ideas, and feedback, and resolve conflicts, it not only benefits the well-being of the organization but also ensures the realization of personal goals. To overcome organizational and personal communication barriers, employers and employees should practice skills such as active listening, setting and maintaining boundaries, giving and receiving feedback, and engaging in the transfer of healthy interpersonal skills. Effective communication strategies have been shown to increase productivity, improve work and interpersonal relationships, reduce conflict, and help achieve a productive and healthy work-life balance.

References

Akua Ahyia Adu-Oppong, E. A.-B. (2014). Communication in the workplace: guidelines for improving effectiveness. Global journal of commerce and management perspective, 208-213. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/304782482

Association, A. P. (2023, 07 10). The American workforce faces compounding pressure: APA's 2021 Work and Well-being Survey results. Retrieved from American Psychological Association: https://www.apa.org/pubs/reports/work-well-being/compounding-pressure-2021

Galli, B. J. (2021). Effective Strategies for Communicating and Managing Communication in a Project Team: My Perspective. International Journal of Applied Industrial Engineering, 1-11.

Goldsmith, M. (2014). Try Feedforward Instead of Feedback - Marshall Goldsmith

Joseph R. Jayakar, S. S. (2012). Professional Communication for Better Work-Life Balance. Journal of Education and Practice, 37-48.

University of Minnesota, (2015). Principles of management. Minnesota Libraries.                                                   Principles of Management – Open Textbook (umn.edu)

Njenga, Vanessa. (2021, 11 12). The Status of Employee Satisfaction in Kenya: A Report. Retrieved from Brighter Monday Kenya: https://www.brightermonday.co.ke/discover/the-status-of-employee-satisfaction-in-kenya-a-report-brightermonday-kenya

Rani, U. (2016). Communication barriers. Journal of English language and literature, 74-76. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/304038097

REMOTE WORKING A STIMULUS TO WORK-LIFE BALANCE.

 

REMOTE WORKING A STIMULUS TO WORK-LIFE BALANCE by Fanuel Mwashumbe 23-1843.

Remote working has emerged as a pivotal catalyst in redefining work-life balance, transforming conventional work environments significantly. The modern era has witnessed a remarkable revolution in remote work, presenting an opportunity to delve into its role in augmenting the equilibrium between professional commitments and personal life. This essay explores how remote work elevates work-life balance while spotlighting companies that have effectively embraced remote work policies.

Research studies after the COVID-19 pandemic have extensively examined diverse perspectives on remote work as perceived by employees (McTaggart & McLaughlin, 2020). One of the primary features empowering work-life balance through remote work is its facilitation of flexible work hours. This flexibility allows employees to orchestrate their work schedules to align with their individual preferences and personal needs (Etheridge, Wang, & Tang, 2020). Buffer, an exemplar in this domain, champions remote work by granting its workforce the autonomy to create schedules optimized for productivity and personal responsibilities, thereby enhancing work-life balance (Bloom, 2020).

A substantial benefit of remote work lies in eliminating the daily commute, as observed in the case of Automattic, the entity behind WordPress. The absence of a daily commute saves time and contributes to overall well-being, fostering a healthier work-life balance among employees (Teevan et al., 2021). Additionally, remote work has proven highly efficient in reducing interruptions, a testament to its ability to boost efficiency and improve work-life balance, as evident in the success story of GitLab (Golden & Gajendran, 2018).

Moreover, remote work holds the potential to bolster mental health and well-being among employees. Basecamp, an advocate for remote work, emphasizes the importance of a healthy work-life balance, offering employees the choice to work from their preferred location (Allen, Golden, & Shockley, 2015). By providing such flexibility, companies like Basecamp are instrumental in contributing positively to the mental well-being of their workforce.

In summary, remote work has emerged as a transformative force in modern work practices, offering flexible hours, eliminating commutes, enhancing productivity, and prioritizing employee well-being. Through examples like Buffer, Automattic, GitLab, and Basecamp, remote work benefits companies and significantly enhances their employees' overall well-being and work-life balance. In a dynamically evolving work landscape, remote work is pivotal in harmonizing professional commitments with personal life.

 

References.

McTaggart, V.; McLaughlin, C. Remote Working the New Reality. 2020. Available online: RemoteWorkingtheNewRealityConferencePaper8 thDec2020.pdf (accessed on 1 October 2022).

Etheridge, B.; Wang, Y.; Tang, L. Worker Productivity during Lockdown and Working from Home: Evidence from Self-Reports. Covid Econ. 2020, 52, 118–151.

Bloom, B.N. How Working from Home Works out; National Bureau of Economic Research: Cambridge, MA, USA, 2020.

Teevan, J.; Hecht, B.; Jaffe, S.; Baym, N.; Bergmann, R.; Brodsky, M.; Buxton, B.; Butler, J.; Coleman, A.; Czerwinski, M.; et al. The new future of work: Research from Microsoft into the Pandemic's Impact on Work Practices. Microsoft Intern. Rep. 2021. Available online: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/uploads/prod/2021/01/NewFutureOfWorkReport.pdf (accessed on 29 June 2022).

Golden, T.; Gajendran, R. Unpacking the Role of a Telecommuter's Job in Their Performance: Examining Job Complexity, Problem Solving, Interdependence, and Social Support. J. Bus. Psychol. 2018, 34, 55–69. [CrossRef]

Allen, T.D.; Golden, T.D.; Shockley, K.M. How Effective Is Telecommuting? Assessing the Status of Our Scientific Findings. Psychol. Sci. Public Interest 2015, 16, 40–68. [CrossRef] [PubMed]

 

 

REMOTE WORKING AS WAY OF PROMOTING WORK LIFE BALANCE

 

REMOTE WORKING AS WAY OF PROMOTING WORK LIFE BALANCE

Remote working can literally be defined as the practice of employees doing their jobs from any other location other than a main office of the employer.

Work life balance should involve both the work and the family because not one party is to lack the attention of the individual.

Let us dive deeper by looking at some of the ways remote working can improve work – life balance

1.     Set a schedule, and try to stick to it.

When you have the flexibility to work from anywhere, it can sometimes feel like you need to be available and online anytime, too. And if you're working on a different schedule than the rest of your team, this flexibility can sometimes lend itself to a lack of work-life balance.

If you're working remotely, try setting a schedule and sticking to it. This will be helpful for your team and for your sense of work-life balance: That way, your team will know exactly when they can and cannot reach you, and you'll be able to plan personal activities during your day outside of work, wake up and go to bed at the same time every day, and work a manageable number of hours.

 

2.     Use communication tools to indicate your online and offline hours

Once you've determined a daily schedule that makes sense for you and your team, use different tools to publicize that schedule so your team members in different locations and time zones are mindful and respectful of that time. In order to help your work-life balance, working from home can include setting your Slack availability so you don't receive notifications before or after a certain time of day, and you can indicate your working hours on Google Calendar so you automatically decline events taking place outside of your daily schedule. And by publicizing your hours, your coworkers will be more mindful of your personal time, and might send you an email or schedule a meeting with you instead of sending you a barrage of Slacks early in the morning or in the middle of the night where you're working.

3.     Get ready for work the same way you do when you're going to the office.

When you work from home, you don't have to rush around in the morning the same way you do when you go to work in the office. But instead of dedicating the time you normally spend commuting to an extra half hour of snoozing your alarm, get ready for the day the way you normally do. Take a shower, make coffee and breakfast, and get dressed. That way, you'll wake yourself up and mentally prepare for being productive and working hard even though you aren't at your usual desk, and you'll be less tempted to take it easy by hanging out on the couch or feeling sleepy halfway through the day.

4.     Eat a proper lunch.

When I first started working from home, I took full advantage of working steps away from my fridge and would spend those days grazing on snacks. And as delicious as this was, it wasn't always great for my productivity or my sense of work-life balance.

In an office, you might feel more compelled to take a proper lunch break in the middle of the day for 30 minutes or an hour, but when you work from home, there are no coworkers or cafeterias to remind you to do so. By setting aside lunchtime for yourself, whether you work from the office or from home, you'll be able to take a proper break from work to nourish yourself and recharge for the rest of the afternoon.

5.     Taking a walk

Getting up and head outside, even if it's just for five minutes. You can stand up, stretch, and get a quick dose of Vitamin D. Walk your dog, take a stroll around the block, or visit your favorite park during your lunch break. No matter which you choose you'll be energized and ready to tackle the rest of your to-do list when you return to your desk.

We hope these tips help you maintain a sense of work-life balance, no matter where you're working remotely. To learn more, read our list of remote work subreddits next.

 

REFERENCE

1.     https://resources.owllabs.com/blog/remote-work-life-balance

2. https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/work-life-balance-work-from-home-remotely/

3. International Labor Organization An Employers’ Guide on Working from Home in Response to the Outbreak of COVID-19. [(accessed on 15 June 2021)];2020 Available online: https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---ed_dialogue/---act_emp/documents/publication/wcms_745024.pdf

 

The Role of Technology in Enhancing Work-Life Balance

Organizational Culture and Work-Life Balance

Abstract

This abstract examines the intricate connection between organizational culture and work-life balance, recognizing the critical role that workplace environments have in influencing people's ability to combine professional and personal duties. The essay shows how organizational ideals, norms, and practices affect people's perceptions and experiences of work-life balance.

Research has shown that 70% of people report having an unhealthy work-life balance, however, 70% of people also rate family as a top priority (Rife & Hall, 2015).

 What causes poor work-life balance? 

•       Overutilization of employees when he/she is assigned more work than their capacity allows.

•       An “always-on" culture, where employees feel pressured to be constantly available, even outside regular working hours.

•       Understaffing.

•       Lack of flexible work policies makes it difficult for employees to balance professional and personal commitments.

•       Lack of autonomy and control at work.

•       Limited opportunities for development and career growth.

•       Financial worries and job insecurity.

•       A Company culture that encourages overworking.

•       A lack of clear boundaries between work and personal life.

Consequences?

•       Increased stress and mental health difficulties

•       Increased sick leave due to medical conditions.

•       Reduced productivity

•       Poor morale and staff engagement

•       High turnover

How to Create a Work-Life Balance That Promotes a Positive Company Culture

•       Provide employees with the necessary resources and tools.

•       Encourage staff to take short breaks throughout the day.

•        Foster a corporate culture that encourages people to take vacation time. 

•       Provide remote operation choices. By providing this option, employees can simply handle childcare, choose a schedule that matches their lifestyle, and construct a work plan that allows them to spend meaningful time with their families.

•       Bringing in speakers and sponsoring programs to help employees with mental health, physical health, and life management skills empowers employees on their path to achieving a healthy work-life balance.

A Case Study

In a 2008 study, Steingerdur Ólafsdottir researched an Icelandic software consulting company that had been identified by employees as being very supportive of balancing work, community, family, and self-development needs. Ólafsdottir found the following traits, among others, in the culture of the organization:

Fun	Ambition	Flexibility	Openness
Informality	Flat organizational structure	Trust	Cooperation
Responsibility	Support	Pride

Within this organization, Ólafsdottir identified several things that managers and leaders did to create this culture:

·      They were understanding of employees' needs and concerns.

·      They made themselves available to employees

·      They were supportive of employees when they encountered challenges

·      They demonstrated trust in their employees.

·      They gave their employees feedback on their work

 Conclusion

In conclusion, in today's fast-paced and cutthroat corporate environment, the significance of work-life balance and organizational culture cannot be emphasized. These components are essential for determining employee well-being, propelling organizational performance, and creating a great, long-lasting work environment.

 

References:

Rife, A., & Hall, R. (2015). Work-life balance [White paper]. Retrieved July 18, 2018, from Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology:

Weissang, E. (2023, July 20). What causes poor work life balance? Runn. https://www.runn.io/blog/what-causes-poor-work-life-balance

How Organisational culture affects Work-Life Balance. (n.d.). Challenge Consulting. https://www.challengeconsulting.com.au/announcements/organisational-culture-affects-work-life-balance/

Making work life balance part of the workplace culture. (n.d.). Links International. https://linksinternational.com/en-sg/research-page/making-work-life-balance-part-of-the-workplace-culture/

(20) How to create a corporate culture that supports work life balance | LinkedIn. (2022, April 2). https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-create-corporate-culture-supports-work-life-balance-robin-kramer/