In today’s fast-paced, always-on corporate world, the concept of work-life balance sparks plenty of debate. Recent reports of overworked employees facing extreme stress—even fatal consequences—have raised important questions: Is building stronger boundaries between work and life the answer? While some business leaders, like the late philanthropist and businessman Ratan Tata, favour work-life integration, others have said it is a constant juggling act.
Everyone’s reality is different, but one thing holds for most employees: Their emotional well-being is closely tied to their work performance. When you feel good, you work better, and when work starts to take over, leading to stress and burnout, emotional health takes a hit.
The million-dollar question now is how to feel good at work. While career milestones, like promotions and raises, are great, their positive effects are fleeting. Focusing on your mental health and embracing rest and self-care can keep you feeling good for the long haul.
When employees have space to disconnect from work, they can bring their best selves to the table. But how exactly does work-life balance influence emotional health? And what can both individuals and organizations do to nurture equilibrium?
The impact of work-life balance on emotional well-being
A 2023 study by the American Psychological Association found that 92% of employees say it’s important for them to work for companies that prioritize their emotional and psychological well-being. However, 77% still report high levels of work-related stress. When work constantly overshadows personal life, stress can quickly snowball into anxiety, burnout, and strained relationships, eventually affecting not only your overall happiness but also your job performance.
But employees who make time for balance—whether it’s by setting boundaries or adding wellbeing practices, like mindfulness, into their day—report higher productivity, greater job satisfaction, and a better ability to manage pressure. Balance isn’t just a nice thing to have—it’s the key to thriving both personally and professionally.
The perks of prioritizing balance
It’s no secret that a healthy mind and a healthy body are inextricably linked. Achieving balance gives you more space to nurture relationships with family and friends, which creates emotional support systems that help you stay resilient through challenging times. Solutions like the Roundglass Living app integrate neuroscience practices and behavioural science tools to help employees in the practice of holistic well-being, offering stress relief and a way to regain focus. Just a few minutes of mindfulness or breathwork can make a huge difference in how you handle the ups and downs of the workday.
For employers, supporting work-life balance also boosts productivity. Consider a 2022 trial of a four-day workweek: 97% of participants wanted to stick with the shorter week, reporting better productivity and improved balance. Another study shows a direct link between employee satisfaction and a 13% rise in productivity. When employees are happy and balanced, everyone wins.
Reimagining your life beyond work
Achieving work-life balance isn’t just a personal responsibility; it’s a shared effort between employees and employers. Yes, you should take steps to protect your emotional health by setting boundaries, practising self-care, and incorporating mindfulness into your day. But businesses also need to step up by offering flexibility, support, and effective workplace wellbeing tools.
The time to reclaim your well-being is now. Start by disconnecting from work when needed and practising mindfulness to protect your mental health. Whether you’re leading a team or taking charge of your own workday, remember that a balanced, emotionally healthy workforce is critical to success for everyone.
Authored by: Prakriti Poddar, who is a mental health expert and the global head of mental wellbeing for Roundglass Living, the Wholistic Wellbeing app.
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