What does work-life balance mean in today’s workplace?

A good work-life balance is considered to be a crucial pillar for a successful organisational culture today. The days of rigid 9 to 5s are a thing of the past, with flexible working patterns and more people-focused cultures taking their place. 

But with the rise of hybrid models and return to office (RTO) mandates, there’s been a notable shift in work-life balance from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to today’s modern working world.

In this article, we’ll explore how the meaning of “work-life balance” has evolved in recent years, its benefits and challenges, and the steps organisations and employees can take to ensure they support their employees’ personal and professional equilibrium.

How has work-life balance changed?

The definition of work-life balance may differ for some, but it typically refers to the amount of time spent at your job compared to the amount of time spent with friends, family or pursuing recreational passions or pastimes

Work-life balance is no longer seen as a benefit or perk but as a necessity when it comes to looking for a positive work culture. However, the meaning of work-life balance has changed substantially since the start of the pandemic.

The rise of remote working before and during COVID-19

The beginning of the pandemic set new practices in stone. When lockdown was announced in the UK in March 2020, remote working soared. In April 2020, 46.6% of employees worked from home, with 86% doing so due to the pandemic. 

Even as lockdown restrictions started to ease, some companies adopted a “remote first” work basis, where employees had the choice to work from home or come into the office if preferred. Around 21% of employees also reported that they didn’t work in the office at all in 2021. 50% of UK employees also named flexible working as the main benefit of remote work in 2020.

The shift to hybrid working

As the country came out of lockdown, workplace policies gradually started changing.

One notable workplace trend is the hybrid working model, which gained significant popularity in 2023 and has continued into 2024. 

Hhybrid working is a popular choice among organisations and employees. Over two-fifths (41%) of employers believe that hybrid working has increased productivity and efficiency. On the other hand, a study by Mortar Research revealed that hybrid working makes employees happier, healthier and more productive. Most notably, 86% said that they had increased free time from no longer needing to travel to work every day, resulting in a good work-life balance.

The emergence of Gen Z in the workplace

Labelled as “the workers who want it all”, Generation Z (or “Zoomers”) look for fair pay, work-life balance and alignment in their roles.

Gen Z employees are expected to make up 27% of the global workforce by 2025. A study by Jabra also reported that 81% of Gen Z workers in the UK value flexibility above salary, while just 26% prioritise their careers over work-life balance.

Good core values and ethics are also sought after as Gen Z employees value empathy, authentic relationships and mental wellbeing in the workplace. Anna Sawyer, Principal Partner at Gallup, commented that Gen Z has “zero tolerance for poor management” and that they’re “looking for that really strong connection to mission and purpose; they want to go to work and feel like they’re doing something that matters.”

The demise of hustle culture

Hustle culture – not to be confused with side hustle culture – otherwise known as “the grind”, is a mindset that encourages working hard and constantly striving for success, even at the expense of physical and mental health.

Hustle culture was particularly rife in 2021, with 40% of UK employees having worked during their annual leave within 12 months that year, according to Hays. The following year, 70% of C-level executives considered quitting their jobs for one that better supported their well-being, while over 50% of executives and employees experienced fatigue and mental health issues.

Nowadays though, hustle culture is considered to be fading, possibly due to the Great Resignation in 2021 or the “quiet quitting” trend of 2023, where employees perform at the bare minimum to retain their salaries. 

Adzuna also reported a surge in searches for roles with flexible hours, out-of-office work and free from responsibilities such as managing a team or working overtime, particularly with Gen Z job seekers. There was also a preference for junior positions that allowed a good work-life balance, with a minimum salary of £35K annually.

The benefits and challenges to work-life balance

Work-life balance is critical in today’s modern workplace, with 56% of employees considering it more important than a high salary when it comes to career success. While work-life balance is beneficial for enhancing productivity, reducing burnout and improving overall wellbeing, there are also some drawbacks to consider.

Benefits of work-life balance

• Increased productivity: A good work-life balance can be beneficial in increasing employee productivity. Workers who can disconnect from work, whether it’s through spending time with family, pursuing a hobby or just relaxing, are more likely to come back with renewed energy and focus. Almost 3 in 10 employees in the UK believe they are less productive at work due to poor work-life balance.
• Improved health: While health is often neglected in hustle culture, maintaining a decent work-life balance can positively impact physical and mental wellbeing, and lead to fewer sickness absences taken. Focusing on healthy eating, exercise and getting enough sleep will improve individual health outcomes and prioritising a balanced lifestyle ultimately leads to a more sustainable and successful work environment. Over 40% of workers are neglecting other aspects of their lives due to work. Working long hours has almost made employees feel depressed (27%), anxious (34%) and irritable (58%).
• Better relationships: It can be easy to disregard personal relationships when working long hours. That’s why having the time to disconnect from work will allow employees to prioritise time with their loved ones, or even build new relationships. The reduced stress can also lead to better communication and understanding in existing relationships. 40% of employees say that poor work-life balance “ruins” the time they spend with their families, so implementing a healthy balance is essential for improving personal lives and overall job satisfaction.

Challenges of work-life balance

• Risk of reduced earnings: When there’s more focus on maintaining a good work-life balance, some employees could end up sacrificing financial opportunities. For example, turning down a promotion or salary increase because it would require more time away from their personal lives. A report by Hays revealed that more than half (56%) of employees are willing to accept a lower-paid job for a better work-life balance. 64% of UK workers would also turn down a promotion to maintain their wellbeing and work-life balance, according to research by Michael Page.
• Difficulty in setting boundaries: When finding the right work-life balance, employees may find it difficult to set boundaries between the two, in turn fostering an “always on” culture. Workers will feel guilty or stressed, as they may not feel like they’re giving enough time or attention to either their work or personal life. Research by Business In The Community also revealed that only 45% of employees felt they were able to switch off from work, while 55% felt pressured to respond to calls or check emails after working hours.
• Meeting work demands: Finding a balance between work and personal time isn’t always easy, especially when employees have a demanding job or tight deadlines. This can make it difficult to maintain a good work-life balance, and employees who struggle to get that balance are more likely to get stressed or burnt out, with 77% of workers claiming to have experienced burnout in their current job.
  

Strategies for achieving a good work-life balance

Achieving a good work-life balance is important for both employees and employers to ensure a productive and fulfilling work environment; as highlighted by different work-life balance quotes. Here are some practices to consider.

Strategies for employees

• Practice time management: Planners, apps and to-do lists are useful methods for keeping track of how you spend your time. You could also review your time management weekly and see if you can improve it. For example, reducing time on social media, working from home more to cut down commuting hours or determining whether some meetings or tasks can be done virtually instead of face-to-face.
• Set boundaries: You might find it hard to say no, but it’s important to be mindful of taking on additional work or commitments that could overwhelm your schedule. Try to set limits on your work time and pre-plan time for other activities. Establish specific work hours, stick to them, and communicate these boundaries to colleagues and management to avoid work intruding on personal time.
• Focus on your health: Take time to prioritise activities that support your physical and mental health, such as exercise, healthy eating and getting enough sleep at regular times. You could also incorporate mindfulness practices like meditation or deep breathing exercises to manage stress and improve your focus.
• Nurture your relationships: Make sure to invest time in maintaining strong connections with your family and friends. Positive relationships and social support help to increase resilience and cope with stress. Meaningful social interactions can also enhance wellbeing and contribute to life satisfaction.
• Take down time: Resting and recharging are essential to your overall wellbeing, so you should make time to disconnect from work-related communications during personal time. Schedule regular time off for yourself each week to relax or fully engage with your family and leisure activities.

Strategies for employers

• Offer flexible working: Remember, flexibility is vital to employees for work-life balance. Options like remote work, flexible hours and compressed workweeks can help employees better manage their personal and professional responsibilities. Employees want to be trusted to get the job done while having the autonomy to arrange their work schedules in a way that accommodates their needs.
• Focus on productivity over hours: Instead of tracking the hours employees work, focus on measuring productivity and results, such as through Key Point Indicators (KPIs) or SMART targets. By valuing outcomes rather than the number of hours, you can encourage employees to work more efficiently and creatively. This not only supports a good work-life balance but also drives higher performance and job satisfaction.
• Encourage breaks: To avoid stress and burnout, make sure to encourage employees to take regular breaks and disconnect from work. Other than mandatory lunch breaks, you can also create break-out rooms or set aside spare desks that workers can use to unwind and get away from the noise. Sabbatical leave, good holiday entitlement and even unlimited holidays can be beneficial for ensure that employees remain refreshed, motivated and engaged.
• Offer support for working parents: Companies are at risk of losing talent if they don’t cater to childcare needs. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that parents in your organisation are getting adequate support. Providing flexible working arrangements, decent parental leave and family care options can make a significant difference in job satisfaction.
• Gather employee feedback: Research by Sage revealed that 47% of workers have never been asked by their employer what will improve their experience. By proactively getting feedback and understanding employees’ needs and preferences, you can identify areas for improvement and implement changes to improve work-life balance, as well as boost morale and retention.
  

Conclusion

The concept of work-life balance has evolved significantly in recent years, driven by shifts in work patterns and changing employee expectations. The rise of remote and hybrid working models, the influence of Gen Z in the workplace and the decline of hustle culture have all contributed to and redefined the approach to balancing professional and personal lives.

This move from rigid schedules to more adaptable working arrangements reflects a broader recognition of the need to accommodate diverse personal needs and improve overall wellbeing. As the modern workforce continues to evolve, maintaining a focus on work-life balance will remain essential for achieving long term organisational success and fostering a positive and resilient workplace.