Impactful Inclusion Toolkit

ACTIVITY 47Affect Work-Life Balance for All

“Don't confuse having a career with having a life.”

—Hillary Clinton

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The 40-hour workweek and workplace practices that exist today were created by the dominant culture in the 19th century. The last 200 years have most notably brought about a more diverse workforce that is demanding more from employers. Nonetheless, antiquated work-life expectations persist as organizational leaders expect staff to prioritize the needs of the business above all else. We have co-workers whom we see each day who exist in a perpetual state of exhaustion. There is just not enough time in the day to effectively manage the demands of our personal and professional lives to create a healthy work-life balance. Who wouldn't want to have enough time and energy left at the end of the workday to enjoy life's pleasures? While I can't think of a single reason that someone wouldn't respond with “Please, sign me up!” the reality is that many folks leave the workplace exhausted—mentally, physically, and emotionally. In some cases, exhaustion is “always on” as just the thought of work is exasperating. After putting in 8, 10, or more hours per day to earn a paycheck, there is little energy or time left to enjoy the fruits of our labor or relax and replenish. We're always “on” and can't find the “off” button—perhaps because it does not exist. With 24/7 connectivity, the pressure to excel, to always be accessible while maintaining productivity, can be overwhelming. ...