References
NAR Library & Archives has already done the research for you. References (formerly Field Guides) offer links to articles, eBooks, websites, statistics, and more to provide a comprehensive overview of perspectives. EBSCO articles (E) are available only to NAR members and require a password.
Impact of COVID-19 on Work/Life Balance
COVID-19 Pandemic Continues to Reshape Work in America (Pew Research Center, Feb. 16, 2022)
“Nearly two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, roughly six-in-ten U.S. workers who say their jobs can mainly be done from home (59%) are working from home all or most of the time.”
“Among those who have a workplace outside of their home, 61% now say they are choosing not to go into their workplace, while 38% say they’re working from home because their workplace is closed or unavailable to them.”
“New Normal” At Work in a Post-COVID World: Work–Life Balance and Labor Markets (Policy and Society, Jan. 20, 2022)
“This paper argues that although hybrid and remote working would be more popular in the post-pandemic for nonmanual work, it will not be “one size fits all” solution. Traditional work practices will remain, and offices will not completely disappear.”
A Post-Pandemic Shift in Work/Life Balance (HR Daily Advisor, May 17, 2021)
“Many employees who appreciate the lack of commuting are drawing a hard line on retaining schedule flexibility associated with working from home,” says Stanton. “If they are required to go back to the office full-time without a hybrid option, some employees may be looking for opportunities elsewhere, leading to attrition and possible loss of valued talent.”
Work-Life Balance in a Pandemic: A Public Health Issue We Cannot Ignore (The Conversation, Feb. 26, 2021)
Before the pandemic, a common objection to remote working was the suspicion that staff would disengage and productivity levels would drop. But recent evidence suggests the opposite is true – working from home effectively means working more. In the UK, for example, many employees are reportedly putting in an extra two hours a day. It’s even longer in the US.
Impact of Work/Life Balance
To See How a City Embraces Remote Work, Look to Helsinki (City Metric, Jul. 19, 2021)
“The adjustment to remote work, if continued after the crisis, offers a chance to improve companies’ geographical diversity and for employers to demonstrate trust in their workforce.”
The Impact Of A Hybrid Work Environment On Real Estate (Forbes, Jul. 19, 2021)
Whether you end up working from home, the office or a mix of both, office spaces will continue to exist and welcome those who value bouncing ideas around, brainstorming and working alongside their peers. The most positive note I can highlight is that employees will now have more options to manage how, when and where they chose to be most productive.
The Importance of Striking the Right Work-Life Balance (Entrepreneur, Oct. 17, 2018)
- It affects your health
- Long hours don’t make a difference
- Your personal relationships are at risk
Strategies for Achieving Balance
How To Achieve a Sustainable Workweek: Implement Five Essential Routines for Better Work-Life Balance (Personal Excellence, Mar. 1, 2022) E
Fortunately, the answer to decision fatigue is simple: routines. While we’re all familiar with the concept of routines, it’s worth the reminder that routines are defined as a sequence of actions you regularly follow. Routines differ from habits in that, habits require little or no conscious thought, while routines require a bit more intention and effort.
How Saying 'Yes' And 'No' Could Revolutionize Your Work/Life Balance (World Economic Forum, Jun. 6, 2021)
The key to this alternative approach is to prioritize and learn to say “no” in order to be able to say “yes” when it matters most. Also key is to manage expectations by being clear about what the priorities are.
Finding the Right Work-Life Balance When Working Remotely (Insurance Journal, Apr. 5, 2021) E
Be flexible, set a hard stop time each day, set up “away” and “snooze” capabilities, take time off, and focus on things that really matter.
What Do Today’s Employees Want? Balance and Benefits, for Starters (Corridor Business Journal, Apr. 29-May 5, 2019) E
Perks that attract employees looking for work life balance, as well as differences between generational preferences.
Promoting a Balanced Life (Fast Company, May 1, 2019) E
Promoting the four-day workweek as a strategy to achieve lower levels of stress, higher levels of job satisfaction, and a greater sense of work life balance.
5 Ways to Leave Your Work Stress at Work (Harvard Business Review, Mar. 22, 2019)
- Communicate appropriately
- Transition before you get home
- Find a confidant
- Set a day aside
- Gratitude
eBooks & Other Resources
The following eBooks and audiobooks are available to NAR members and association staff:
Balance your Life and Work (eBook)
Finding Work-Life Balance (eBook)
Find Your Work-Life Balance (eBook)
Joy at Work: Organizing Your Professional Life (Audiobook)
The Myth of Work-Life Balance (eBook)
Work–Life Balance (eBook)
Work / Life Balance For Dummies (eBook)
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