Work-life integration and its boundaries

A human-centred corporate philosophy

In the modern world, the new concept of "work-life integration" is being emphasized. However, it is still important to have appropriate boundaries between work and personal life. Overly enthusiastic work-life integration can have adverse effects, and companies and their HR teams need to establish an optimal philosophy and operate related programs.

1. Work-Life Balance to Work-Life Integration

Work-life balance is very important for employees who spend most of their time at work, and "integration" is a concept that harmoniously blends work and personal life, providing flexibility while blurring the boundaries between work and life. This can provide employees with high life satisfaction, and as a result, they are more likely to focus on their work, which can improve work efficiency and creativity.

2. Too much integration

Over-emphasizing work-life integration can lead to unexpected problems. An emphasis on healthy living through well-being programs can lead to a right/wrong dichotomy, or it can create stress and psychological strain for individuals who value the protection of their private sphere. Furthermore, there is a risk of creating a perverse effect where the company feels like work is intruding into the lives of their families.

3. The company's role: setting boundaries and promoting personal happiness

A company's HR team needs to know where the line is between boundaries and where the workplace can get involved. The following considerations are necessary to establish the optimal philosophy.

Balance: 

It would help if you thought about the balance between your personal life as a human being before you are a worker and your workplace. It's not just about getting the job done and ensuring that employees are happy with their lives, but also about being proactive in their personal lives.

Transparent communication:

Open and transparent communication with employees promotes trust between the company and the employee and helps set boundaries. It's tasteful to let them know what you're trying to accomplish with your suggestions and that you still recognize their respect for their personal space.

Self-responsibility and self-care: 

Employees are respected as complete individuals, and their workplaces trust them. Through self-responsibility and self-determination, individuals can maintain the boundaries between their personal and professional lives.

Human-centered pursuit of happiness

Ultimately, companies should help employees pursue happiness as individual human beings, not turn them into perfect robots. A human-centred corporate philosophy should support employees in living valuable and meaningful lives, and allow Work-Life Integration to contribute to personal happiness.

It's important for organizations to pursue work-life integration, but to ensure that it serves as a vehicle for employee happiness and balance.

PEOPLEGRIP

2024