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/

Balancing Work and Life in Results-Oriented Management Environments

 

Introduction

In today's fast-paced work environments, achieving work-life balance has become a considerable challenge. This essay delves into the dynamics of achieving work-life balance in a results-oriented management setting, highlighting the strategies and realities of this endeavor. Results-oriented management is an approach to leadership and organizational management that emphasizes the attainment of specific, measurable results, often involving clear performance metrics, deadlines, and a strong emphasis on productivity.

Challenges in a Results-Oriented Management Environment

While results-oriented management offers numerous benefits, it also presents formidable challenges. The pursuit of measurable results can lead to prolonged work hours, an unceasing drive for perfection, and a constant sense of urgency. The boundary between work and personal life often blurs, resulting in heightened stress levels, a constant state of alertness, and limited time for personal activities and relationships.

Impact on Work-Life Balance

The impact of results-oriented management on work-life balance is profound. The relentless focus on results can lead to a situation where work dominates one's life. Long working hours, late-night emails, and weekend meetings leave minimal room for relaxation, family time, or self-care. This imbalance can erode the quality of personal life, strain relationships, and compromise overall well-being.

 

Strategies for Achieving Work-Life Balance

Balancing work and personal well-being in a results-oriented management environment necessitates a multifaceted approach:

Ø  Setting Clear Boundaries: Effective communication is essential for employees to establish defined working hours and share their availability with colleagues and supervisors. This practice fosters a clear separation between work and personal life.

Ø  Prioritizing Tasks: Effective time management is crucial for identifying and ranking tasks based on their importance and urgency, individuals can focus on high-impact, results-driven activities while minimizing the time spent on less critical tasks.

Ø  Delegation and Collaboration: Delegating tasks and fostering collaboration with colleagues are critical in results-oriented environments. These strategies distribute workloads more evenly, reducing stress and enhancing overall efficiency.

Ø  Taking Regular Breaks: Frequent short breaks during the workday are essential for recharging and stress reduction. Utilizing available vacation days and taking time off when necessary is also crucial for rest and rejuvenation.

Ø  Flexibility and Remote Work: When feasible, individuals should explore flexible work arrangements or remote work options. These options provide greater control over the work environment and facilitate the management of personal commitments.

Case Studies

Several organizations have successfully implemented strategies to promote work-life balance in results-oriented management environments. For instance, Microsoft's "One Week" hackathons allow employees to choose projects and work from their preferred locations, fostering flexibility and personal well-being.

Google is also renowned for its dedication to employee well-being as it offers benefits such as generous parental leave policies, travel insurance, and support for professional development

The Positive Impact of Results-Oriented Management

Although results-oriented management is associated with high-pressure work settings, tight deadlines, and unwavering goal pursuit, it can actually foster employee well-being and a balanced life. It accomplishes this through several key factors. First, it gives employees a clear sense of purpose, helping them understand their goals and how their work contributes to meaningful outcomes, leading to increased job satisfaction and overall well-being.

Furthermore, results-oriented management empowers employees by allowing them to take ownership of their work and decisions, boosting self-esteem and motivation. It also enforces accountability for performance, promoting personal growth and a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, this management style often promotes flexibility and autonomy, allowing employees to tailor their work to their preferences and lifestyles, which can lead to improved work-life balance and reduced stress.

Effective communication and collaboration are integral to results-oriented management, reducing misunderstandings and conflicts and fostering positive relationships, thus contributing to emotional well-being. Recognition and rewards for achieving results are crucial, as they enhance morale and job satisfaction, creating a harmonious work environment

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, results-oriented management, when executed thoughtfully and with a focus on employee well-being, can create an environment that promotes a harmonious life. While it may present challenges, a well-implemented approach can lead to a workplace that drives performance and enhances the overall well-being of its employees. The pursuit of results and the cultivation of personal well-being are not mutually exclusive; rather, they are intertwined elements of a successful and fulfilling professional life.

 

References:

Microsoft Corporate Responsibility. (2022). Employee Well-Being Initiatives. Retrieved from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/corporate-responsibility/employee-well-being-initiatives

Google Workplace Culture. (2022). Promoting Work-Life Balance. Retrieved from https://about.google/workplace-culture/

Johnson, S. (2019). Balancing Act: Achieving Work-Life Balance in a Fast-Paced World. Harvard       Business Review, 32(4), 57-69.

Smith, E. (2020). The Impact of Results-Oriented Management on Employee Well-Being. Journal of Organizational Management, 45(3), 287-301.

Thompson, A. (2021). The Art of Balancing Work and Life: Practical Strategies for Professionals. New York: HarperCollins.

Richards, J. (2022). Promoting Employee Well-Being in Results-Oriented Organizations. Journal of Management and Work-Life Balance, 12(2), 145-167.