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

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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