top of page
Search

Work life integration, the new work life balance.

Writer's picture: James RuleJames Rule


The pursuit of work life balance has to be one of the most elusive yet sought after concepts for the working population of the world.


However, given our current climate, is the concept of work life balance now obsolete? Perhaps a far better term would be ‘work life integration’.


Most people try to balance similar core areas of their life. Work, relationships, health and hobbies. The most common strategy implemented has been the compartmentalisation of these areas into a rigid structure. Focus was applied to each area, in the hope of facilitating some form of balance.


In simple terms work was predominantly conducted in the office, health was improved at the gym. The commute (depending on mode of transport) was a time for reading, reflection, chatting or simply decompressing from the working day. Playing with your children was done in the evening and on weekends.


However the world as we know it has changed. What the last two months of lockdown has done is throw every aspect of our working and personal lives into one giant melting pot of organised chaos. The lines have been blurred. It is now far more difficult to compartmentalise those core areas and give them our undivided attention. For example for many, there is no commute to decompress anymore. You walk out of your home office (or dining room) straight into the family environment.There is no time to transition from your professional role to that of spouse, partner or parent.


The conflicting demands and expectations of being productive and attentive as a spouse, employee, manager, parent and teacher are all occurring at the same time! For many this is creating stress, tension and in some cases a sense of overwhelm.


Embrace the new norm


Whether this blurring is temporary or more permanent remains to be seen. Nobody truly knows what our ‘new normal’ will look like. However it is probably safe to assume that we will see far more people than ever before working from home. Schools will eventually return to full capacity. However with the summer holidays fast approaching and schools only partially reopening, the short term is likely to look very similar to the last two months for working parents. Finding a way to create work life integration in this new and evolving environment will be critical.



It is now a real challenge to compartmentalise our core areas as we used to. We must find a way to blend the competing demands they place upon us. I like to view the situation in the guise of conductor leading an orchestra. He is in charge of different sections, string, brass, percussion etc but they must all synchronise to perform. Substitute these with family, work, health, relationships. We are the conductors of our orchestra and we have to find a way to not only make them perform but do so harmoniously.


TIPS TO CREATE INTEGRATION


Digital Detox

We live in a time of unprecedented levels of technological connectivity. The utilisation of Zoom calls, FaceTime etc and explosion of Whats App groups mean we are always ‘on’ from a digital perspective. This connectivity has been key in combatting the loneliness and isolation caused by lock down and also in keeping business communication flowing. However, there is a downside. People are feeling obligated to always be available and ‘switched on’.


The need for some form of regular digital detox time has always been essential but I believe that need is becoming critical. Without the commute, lunch break, gym class etc we find ourselves working even longer hours in front of screens. This ultimately impacts productivity but also begins to erode our wellbeing. We must find the discipline to step away for regular periods.


Me Time

Granted, the boundaries have all been blurred, but there is always capacity to carve out some essential me time during the early morning. Once you overcome the initial pain of early rising you discover the amazing world of working without interruption and focusing on whatever matters to you. Whether you use it for your personal or professional development, we can receive a significant psychological boost from the practice of having already achieved something before the majority of people, and certainly the rest of the family, rises. By starting the day on your terms, you create a powerful sense of feeling in control .


Whilst this time can be used for work, I think it is imperative that the work is on your terms: planning, working on a project etc. By immediately jumping into your new emails, you enter the reactive space and immediately lose that sense of control. You are no longer controlling the start to your day. Somebody else is.


Exercise

I have long procrastinated about getting back in some form of shape. Lockdown removed many of those barriers (whether real or perceived). I have used the early morning ‘me time’ to exercise .The physical benefits are starting to show but mentally you feel refreshed and energised to take on what the day requires, starting with those emails!



Rediscover the child within

My daughters and I schedule in their school playtimes and lunch break. We all break from our respective work and enjoy some family time in the garden. Whilst I am not advocating everyone enjoying an egg and spoon race every morning, it does reemphasise the benefit of regular breaks and taking some fresh air away from our desks. Taking it a step further, the occasional PE lesson allows us to improve our fitness with physical play whilst also providing the love and attention the children crave whilst cooped up at home away from friends.


How have you navigated these uncertain times?


Here at The Lonely Leader we focus on helping people on their journey. This challenge of finding a way to integrate all aspects of our personal and professional lives is affecting us all. We have always been big believers of learning from and modelling those who are finding success in a specific field. We have found our own strategies but would be very grateful for you to direct message James on LinkedIn or email us at hello@thelonelyleader.co.uk with your tips of what has worked for you as you strive to find work life integration. We will look to share the insights in a future blog (while protecting anonymity).


Good luck in the quest for integration, helping your orchestra create the perfect

symphony!





19 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


Commenting has been turned off.
  • Instagram
  • linkedin
  • Spotify

©2019 by The Lonely Leader. Terms

bottom of page