Gone are the days when work and life were viewed as opposing forces, demanding an intricate act of juggling. Today, the narrative is shifting. It’s no longer just about finding “balance” between these two worlds; it’s about exploring a spectrum of possibilities that range from integration and harmony to negotiation and fit.
(It’s not the first time we explore this topic at Virtual not Distant. Check out episode 120 of the 21st Century Work Life podcast.)
Work-Life Balance
We often hear how important it is to achieve “work-life balance”. This concept gained prominence in the 1970s and 1980s, as more dual-income households emerged and the challenges of balancing work and family life became a more prominent societal issue. This is the most traditional term associated with making sure that work doesn’t take over our whole day, at the expense of not having any personal time left over for family, friends and other valuable things besides work. It’s about equally prioritising the demands of one’s career and the demands of one’s personal life.
If you find yourself striving for an equal distribution of time and energy between work and personal life, the traditional concept of Work-Life Balance may appeal to you (and you might have scored highly as a “separator” in the previous test). This approach is about drawing clear boundaries, where work and personal life are distinct and given equal priority. It suits those who thrive on compartmentalisation and need a clear separation to function effectively in both areas.
However, not everybody aims to achieve “work-life balance”, and indeed, some people don’t like to refer to “work” as something that’s in opposition to “life”. Here are other terms that have gained popularity as work has taken over a higher profile in discussions about wellbeing.
Work-Life Integration
Unlike work-life balance, which suggests a strict separation between work and personal life, work-life integration is about blending them together. It recognises that work and life are not necessarily in opposition and can be integrated in a way that benefits both areas. This term gained traction at the beginning of this century, reflecting changes in technology and work practices that have made the clear boundaries of work and personal life more permeable. It’s a concept that has been discussed by various thought leaders in the field of human resources and organisational psychology, especially in the context of the increasing flexibility of work due to digital technology.
If your work and personal life are deeply intertwined, you might lean towards Work-Life Integration. This approach is less about balancing two separate spheres and more about finding synergy between them. It acknowledges that work and life often intermingle and seeks to create a holistic lifestyle where one complements the other. It’s ideal for those who find that their work and personal life naturally overlap and are looking for a way to make these aspects coexist harmoniously.
Work-Life Harmony
Popularised in part by Jeff Bezos of Amazon, who talks about work-life harmony instead of balance, this term reflects the idea that work and life should coexist in a mutually beneficial way rather than being seen as competing priorities. This term suggests a more fluid relationship between work and personal life. It’s about finding a rhythm that allows for a seamless transition between work and personal responsibilities, creating a sense of harmony.
If the rigid structure of balance feels too constrictive, you might be leaning towards Work-Life Harmony. This concept focuses on a fluid relationship between work and personal life, allowing for a more organic integration of the two. It’s about finding a rhythm that works for you, where professional and personal responsibilities ebb and flow in harmony with each other.
Work-Life Fit
This term acknowledges that the “best fit” between work and personal life can vary greatly from person to person and over time. It’s about finding a personalised balance that works for the individual’s current life situation. The concept of “work-life fit” has been prominently advocated by Cali Williams Yost, a flexible workplace strategist and author. Yost’s perspective is that “fit” is a more realistic and individualised way of thinking about how work and personal life can complement each other.
For those who believe that the ideal balance is unique and ever-changing, Work-Life Fit might resonate more. This approach is highly individualistic, recognising that the “perfect balance” can vary greatly from person to person and even from one life stage to another. It emphasises creating a personalised approach to managing work and life responsibilities.
Work-Life Negotiation
Are you constantly fine-tuning the balance between your professional and personal life? If so, the concept of Work-Life Negotiation might speak to you. Unlike static models of work-life balance, Work-Life Negotiation acknowledges that our priorities and commitments are always in flux. It’s a recognition that balancing work and life is not a one-time setup but an ongoing process of adjustment.
This concept is particularly suited for those who embrace flexibility and understand that life’s demands can shift unexpectedly. Here, the focus is on the art of skilfully navigating these changes, constantly negotiating where and how to spend your time and energy. Work-Life Negotiation is about finding a balance that’s not just sustainable, but also responsive to the evolving chapters of your professional and personal life.
(For more, check out episode 256 of the 21st Century Work Life podcast.)