In Steve McClatchy’s book, Decide, he provides some statistics that point to how serious this problem has become. “A 2010 survey conducted by one think tank found that 90 percent of working mothers and 95 percent of working fathers reported experiencing work-family conflict. A different survey in 2012 produced similar results: 88 percent of employees claimed that they have a hard time juggling work and life. Fifty-seven percent cited it as a ‘significant problem’ in their lives, while 64 percent claimed to be ‘physically exhausted’ when they get home from work” (2014). People everywhere are struggling to find that common ground that gives them that inner peace. Without that balance, they open themselves up to multiple consequences.
Having in-balance between your work and personal life can have several repercussions and can play havoc on your health. Individuals with poor balance can experience symptoms such as emotional stress, anxiety, and even depression. In some instances, these symptoms can lead to more health issues such as: cardiovascular disease, weakened immune system, migraines and headaches, weight gain, substance addiction, mental and physical fatigue and more. An in-balance can also lead to the employee being absent from their family, causing damage within their relationships. They could also find friends slipping away, when they don’t dedicate any time to nurturing and growing their friendships.
Work-life balance is not something that can be attained by simply managing the clock on a daily basis. Spending half of each day in the office and half at home can’t guarantee that you would leave stress behind when you left work. It won’t ensure satisfying personal relationships because you spend a certain number of hours outside the office or because you turn your phone off during dinner. There is no quantitative measure for balance.
Employers would love to offer its employees a work-life balance as a benefit, like health insurance. They know that a good balance brings a happier employee to the office, and in turn, a more productive outcome. PRIER helps its employees find balance by showing them that there is life outside of the office. They stress the importance of family and offer several outings for their employees throughout the year. PRIER hosts an annual picnic, Royals games, golf outings, Christmas gatherings and more. This gives the employees a chance to blend their family and work together to help build balance.
The bottom line is that the only one who can create balance in your life is you. And the only way to create it, is to seek to make your life better today than it was yesterday. It is important to find your balance before you burnout!
For more PRIER news, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Pinterest!
