Struggle with work-life balance? Try work-life fluidity
In today’s dynamic and fast-paced world, the traditional boundaries between work and personal life have become increasingly blurred.
This shift is primarily attributed to technological advancements, changing attitudes toward work, and the desire for a more holistic lifestyle. According to the Office for National Statistics, around 28% of workers between September 2022 and January 2023 engaged in hybrid working.
Much of this change originally came about as a direct impact of the coronavirus pandemic when much of the working population were required to work from home for extended periods of time. For some, this has remained the norm, with hybrid working changing the way offices operate and the role they have.
This in turn led to many struggling with work-life balance, since for some there are no physical boundaries between the workplace and home. But rather than struggling with work-life balance, how about work-life fluidity?
What is work-life fluidity?
Work-life fluidity refers to the contemporary approach to balancing professional commitments with personal life in a more flexible and integrated manner. As a result, individuals are embracing a more fluid approach, allowing for greater adaptability and harmony between their career and personal aspirations.
Rather than setting in stone ‘this is work time’ and ‘this is leisure time’, work-life fluidity aims to provide greater balance to both, taking the blurry lines associated with hybrid working and leaning into them rather than seeing them as an issue.
This concept essentially renders redundant the notion of the strict work start and finish times. Enjoy morning yoga but tired of losing sleep to fit it in? No need to log on at 8:30am on the dot. Want to spend quality time with the kids after school? Fine, there’s plenty of opportunity to log on later in the evening and ensure work is done.
One of the fundamental catalysts for work-life fluidity is the proliferation of remote work and flexible schedules. Advancements in communication technology have enabled employees to work from virtually anywhere, breaking the constraints of the traditional office environment. Remote work not only offers flexibility in terms of location but also allows individuals to manage their time more efficiently. This flexibility empowers workers to tailor their schedules around personal commitments, fostering a better balance between professional responsibilities and personal life.
Moreover, work-life fluidity emphasises the importance of autonomy and trust within the workplace. Employers increasingly recognise the value of providing autonomy to their employees, allowing them to manage their workload and schedules autonomously. This shift in management style encourages a culture of trust, where employees are accountable for their work and deliverables rather than being confined to rigid work hours. As a result, individuals can organise their work in a way that aligns with their personal preferences and obligations.
Work-life fluidity as a personal development tool
Work life fluidity is also about integrating personal values and passions into one’s career. Many individuals seek fulfilment not only from their professional achievements but also from pursuing their interests and passions outside of work. Companies that support employees’ personal development and interests contribute to a more fluid work environment. Encouraging pursuits such as further education, hobbies, or volunteering not only enriches the individual but also brings diverse perspectives and skills back into the workplace.
Furthermore, the gig economy has played a significant role in fostering work life fluidity. The rise of freelance work and gig opportunities allows individuals to have greater control over their schedules and the type of work they engage in. This flexibility enables people to explore multiple avenues simultaneously, juggling various projects that align with their skills and interests. Freelancers often have the autonomy to choose their clients and projects, facilitating a more fluid work arrangement that suits their lifestyle preferences.
If you’re balancing multiple projects across the world, work life fluidity can be beneficial. For example, if you’re working in the UK but with a client in the USA, the time difference can extend to over 7 hours. Being fluid with your working arrangements can not only benefit you, but them, allowing you to be logged on later in the evening for that remote call without having done a full day’s work beforehand.
Work-life fluidity does NOT mean 24/7
Work-life fluidity does NOT mean 24/7. Yes, we’ve written that again just for emphasis. While some may elect to pursue this way of working, others may not, and this shouldn’t put pressure on people to answer emails instantly in the evening. Not everyone is doing the same, so the same should not be expected of everyone.
The challenges of work-life fluidity
However, while work life fluidity offers numerous benefits, it also presents challenges. Blurring the boundaries between work and personal life can sometimes lead to overworking or difficulties in unplugging from work-related responsibilities. This constant connectivity, although convenient, may result in burnout and increased stress levels if not managed effectively.
Work-life fluidity represents a paradigm shift in how individuals perceive and manage their professional and personal lives. It advocates for flexibility, autonomy, and integration, empowering individuals to create a more harmonious balance between their careers and personal aspirations. Embracing this fluid approach to work can lead to increased satisfaction, productivity, and overall wellbeing in today’s evolving work landscape.
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