Marc Jacobs

Post-COVID remote working was what seemed like a blessing for the “work-life balance” of corporate employees. Hooray! We finally had some flexibility during our workdays - we could take a walk or exercise in the middle of the day, we could cook meals at home, not spend hours driving on a freeway or riding a crowded train. We got time back with our loved ones. But then, there were those who felt they could never escape work. There was no lengthy commute, so they logged in earlier and logged off later. Work was taking place in the same location as relaxing dinners with the family. Now the lines between “work” and “life” became too blurred. Some felt more stressed than ever.

Even though some now have more choices of how to juggle “work” with “life,” we are still challenged with the precarious “balance” between the two. 

Pre-COVID: Mothers break down because they feel like they aren’t spending enough time with their child; they are working too much at the office.

Post-COVID: New mothers break down because they feel they aren’t good parents despite being at home all day. 

Pre-COVID: Employees burn out from working nonstop at the office overtime.

Post-COVID: Employees burn out because they work nonstop at home without the distraction of a family or roommates.

“When the going gets tough, at least you will know that what you are doing supports what you believe in.”

Is there a solution? 

First, let’s discuss this “work” vs. “life” balance that everyone strives to achieve. This has been called a myth for many reasons; however it truly is an illusion, because your work - the thing you do for most of the hours of the day (usually) - IS your life. It is one part of the many aspects of your life, and how you feel about your work is going to affect the other elements.

People struggle to devote a certain amount of pre-determined hours to each part, but in reality it is all part of your life and your experience as a human on this earth. 

In the HR world, this “balance” is even more important, because we constantly interact with people and their emotions, hopes and desires, and interpersonal conflicts daily. If we are not happy in our roles and feel like we don’t have perfect “balance,” then that will affect those we lead. 

So how do we banish the idea of “work-life balance” and instead ensure that work is integrated into our lives in a meaningful, healthy way? 

1. Find a role that aligns with your values at a company you love. 

Work for a company where you ultimately support what they believe in - does their mission align with your values? For example, if you are an environmentalist, don’t work for a gas company. If you are passionate about a diverse and inclusive workplace, don’t select a company where everyone looks and acts the same. This is the first step to ensuring that when things get tough at work, you’ll know that deep down your values are aligned with the greater mission of the company. 

Find a role that is meaningful to you. I know this is sometimes difficult when you are in urgent need of a job, and sometimes you must compromise your first-choice ideal role, but try to find roles and functions that align with your personal values. Again, when the going gets tough, at least you will know that what you are doing supports what you believe in.  

2. Seek out and be grateful for the small moments of happiness.

This is one of the easiest things to do but the quickest one to forget. Seek out and talk to colleagues with whom you have easy and engaging conversations. What perks does the company provide? Take advantage of as many as you can. Take a snack break. Savor that snack. Check in on a personal note at the start of meetings. And most importantly, find the humor in things – this will give you the most joy at work. Surround yourself with those who can laugh and smile.  

Be here now, in the present moment. Some say “time is an illusion,” and it truly is - we only have right here and right now. To be in the present moment, recognize what you have around you, and be grateful for it. Are you sipping on a delicious beverage? Thank you. Do you have a comfy chair you’re sitting in? Thank you. Do you have a beautiful computer you’re typing on? Thank you. Do you have a manager who is empathetic and encouraging? Thank you. It’s the little things that make life worth living – feel gratitude for them no matter how small. Surround yourself with what you love and practice gratitude regularly. 

3. Adopt healthy habits in a way that will guarantee success.

In the HR function, we are often given the emotional burden of other people’s issues – we take on the heaviness of it, and that can lead to an increase in our own stress. So, we must be at our best to help others. 

This means we must take care of ourselves - get enough sleep, go to bed and wake up early, drink water consistently throughout the day, take a lunch break, exercise. The more you form healthy habits, the better your brain will function, and the better you’ll be equipped to deal with the everyday stresses. You will have more energy and a positive outlook. 

Easier said than done, right? To be the most successful, we shouldn’t burden ourselves by trying to change all our habits at once. As James Clear states in Atomic Habits, “All big things come from small beginnings. The seed of every habit is a single, tiny decision. But as that decision is repeated, a habit sprouts and grows stronger.”

By making these 3 points a priority, you’ll find that you’re not struggling with creating a “work-life balance,” and instead your work will be a part of your life that brings you happiness, satisfying relationships, purpose, humor, and joy on most days. After all, this idea of “work-life balance” was created so that we didn’t look back on our lives when we are older, and regret that we spent too much time working. If you are happy in your job and it enhances other areas of your life, you will remember all those moments and be grateful for those experiences - even the ones at work.