The rapid development of technology in the digital era brings many changes in all aspects of life. With the advancement of technology, all activities have become more practical and easier. The public is facilitated in accessing various things only through the grip of the hand via a smartphone. In addition, technological advances also have a positive influence on the organization so that the completion of work becomes more efficient and effective.
In the world of work, one of the forms of convenience and change as an effect of this digital era is the movement of workplaces, which originally worked identical to coming to the office and doing business there, now work can be completed anywhere and anytime. There is no longer any limit for an employee to discuss with colleagues or superiors, because only with a laptop and smartphone can all forms of communication and work matters be completed without having to be in the office.
Major changes that have had a tremendous impact, especially on human activities and the formation of new habits in the world of work, have occurred during the current Covid-19 pandemic. Working from home or popularly known as Work From Home (WFH) was created as a solution to pandemic conditions that have an impact on restricting the movement of people in public places, including in work spaces and office locations, as an effort to reduce the number of virus spreads in the community. WFH means that an employee has the flexibility to complete work from where he lives. Meetings or coordination activities are no longer carried out face-to-face and are instead carried out online.
However, whether we realize it or not, changes in activity as a form of ease of access between humans as a manifestation of the sophistication of technology, make the boundaries between personal and work life blurry. Working time is no longer limited by the term working hours or office hours, so work affairs can appear anytime and anywhere. Whereas the balance between personal life and work or what is often referred to as work life balance is one of the factors that can affect an employee’s productivity at work. Employees who do not have a work life balance will experience demotivation at work, their social life becomes messy and even affects their mental health. It is different with an employee having a work life balance, many benefits can be felt not only for his life but also for the organization.
The benefits of work life balance include: First, increasing productivity. With a balance of life in the office and outside the office, it will make employees happier. This feeling of happiness will make employees more productive and able to provide innovations for better performance. Second, prevent stress. Excessive workload has the potential to cause stress. However, this stress can be prevented with good time management between work and leisure. Third, physically and mentally healthy. Setting a healthy lifestyle and a good work pattern will create a healthy body and mental condition so that any work can be completed quickly and feels light. Fourth, promote better relationships. Having a work life balance has an impact on employee relationships with family, relatives, and coworkers for the better because they have a portion of time to interact. Fifth, have time for activities outside of work. Employees can have the time and energy to be able to carry out other activities outside of work such as running hobbies, exercising, joining communities, traveling and so on.
There are so many positive benefits that employees get by having a work life balance in their lives. However, along with the increasing demands of work, sometimes the work life balance becomes difficult to realize. Several things can be done to realize the work life balance, among others: First, good time management. Employees must be smart in dividing time between work and life. Use office hours to work optimally and make a priority scale so that work can be completed according to the target. Second, don’t hesitate to ask for help. When experiencing difficulties at work, do not hesitate to ask for help from colleagues so that the work can be completed properly. In addition, employees can communicate the workload that is felt to be overloaded to their superiors so that mutually beneficial solutions or alternatives can be found. Third, love yourself. In the midst of a hectic job, take time to do activities that can refresh your mind and make you happy. Take advantage of the holidays to recharge your spirit and energy before starting work again.
Work life balance is not something that is impossible to achieve if you try your best. Organizational support plays an important role in realizing a work life balance for its employees. Work smart so that success is achieved not only in the world of work but also in personal life.