Is Work-Life Balance Even Possible

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Is work-life balance even possible? Discuss. In today's busy world, prioritizing between work and personal life can be a huge challenge. But studies show that a poor work-life balance can result in unhealthy levels of stress, unhappiness, and even reduced productivity. (Dugan, 2014) Work –life balance, in its broadest sense, is defined as a satisfactory level of involvement or ‘fit’ between the multiple roles in a person’s life. (Hudson, 2005) There is no agreed definition of work-life balance but it does appear that the ‘right’ or ‘perfect’ balance for one person may differ from another. Although definitions and explanation vary, work-life balance is generally associated with the ability to manage simultaneously the needs arising from work and other life roles. (Irwan, 2011) Work-life balance is a concept that supports the efforts of employees to split their time and energy between work and the other important aspects of their lives. Work-life balance is a daily effort to make time for family, friends, community participation, spirituality, personal growth, self care, and other personal activities, in addition to the demands of the workplace. Work-life balance is assisted by employers who institute policies, procedures, actions, and expectations that enable employees to easily pursue more balanced lives. The pursuit of work-life balance reduces the stress employees’ experience. When they spend the majority of their days on work-related activities and feel as if they are neglecting the other important components of their lives, stress and unhappiness result. Work-life balance enables employees to feel as if they are paying attention to all the important aspects of their lives. Because many employees experience a personal, professional, and monetary need to achieve, work-life balance is challenging. Employers can assist employees to experience work-life balance
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