I know I’ll get my share of hate mail from this post, but before you rush to judgment, just hear me out.
One of the biggest topics of interest to employees and employers alike is that of work/life balance. Employee morale is tied to it and engagement scores address it. Policies are designed around it and recruitment efforts leverage it. It seems like the right thing to do.
There’s a dark side to it. Employees are torn between their job and their family; their tasks and their friendships. The need for telework to be available if needs arise. Then the temptation to say an employer owes them work/life balance and accommodation.
Here’s my take on it.
Work/Life balance = Impossible to maintain.
Work/Life Separation = Your only hope.
The Needs
An employee wants to do the minimum required to draw a paycheck and be able to have flexibility to “have a life.”
An employer wants to get the maximum amount of work from an employee for the agreed-upon salary and expects their time to be used 100% for work.
Are these two sides too far apart to work together? I don’t think so.
Look at it from the employer’s perspective. They have a job, which YOU applied for. You’re expecting a salary that YOU agreed to and have agreed to work the required hours. Even if they recruited you, YOU agreed to come aboard.
I see the employee’s point. All of us have lives outside of work. The key is not seeking Work/Life balance from your employer. That’s YOUR problem, not theirs. If you’re not finding it where you’re currently employed, either move on or quit whining.
Yes, I know this sounds cold and cruel – particularly from a guy whose company helps organizations set up favorable work cultures. Here’s the deal. I have seen a real shift in workers from one of doing a good day’s work for the salary I get, to one of entitlement. We expect employers to take care of us. What are we doing to take care of them?
This week, take a look at your willingness to do a Work/Life separation. While at work, WORK! When you get home, BE HOME! Give your employer the hours you’re being paid for. Give your family and friends the time they deserve.
Work and Life were never intended to be one and the same. Or balanced. Keep them in their proper boxes and you, your family, and your boss will be much happier.
ps. I’m an entrepreneur so I know more than anyone why it’s important to separate work from life. Entrepreneurs tend to LOVE their work and it’s hard to leave it alone even when you LOVE your family and friends.
pps. I also did 15 years on active duty in the Navy. There was no such thing as work/life balance. “Those kids were not issued to you in your seabag – they’re not my problem” was said to us on more than one occasion…and you can’t quit the Navy.