
Cover Story
Work-life balance. A term we commonly see, but what exactly does it mean?
Work-life balance refers to the amount of time an individual spends working in comparison to the time they spend pursuing things outside of work. This is measured in hours, enjoyment, or mental energy. This time that the individual spends working can go beyond the office space.
Even if the individual is within the comforts of their own home, the energy, focus, and attention that the work demands plays a part in contributing to the time spent ‘working’.
While technology has enabled the ability to work in different places, the fact one can be online at any time has given rise to discussions about whether or not rules should be implemented to regulate the porous boundaries between personal and professional time and space.
In that case, how can we utilise technology to improve our work-life balance?
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Harnessing productivity enhancing tools
The power of task management tools is their ability to provide a platform that allows users to organise tasks, set deadlines, and track their progress. These platforms help users prioritise their work and ensure that they stay on top of their responsibilities, reducing the chance of being overwhelmed.
In addition, the rising prominence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools from text to image generation systems has opened up possibilities for streamlined workflows. This is because of AI’s significant power in processing vast amounts of data, ranging from customer interactions, market trends, internal processes, swiftly and accurately. This in turn facilitates decision-making and ideation, reducing the time usually required.
Task management tools and the use of AI tools share one thing in common - their ability to enhance the efficiency of workers who wield them.
Through their prioritising and data crunching abilities, users would be able to have a focused vision and perspective of the tasks that requires their attention. This enhances workflow and opens up the opportunity to do things beyond what is related to their work.
Health and wellness apps
An important aspect of work-life balance is the well-being of the individual. This can be managed through the use of health and wellness technology.
From fitness trackers to apps that focus on an individual’s mindfulness, these tools are essential for helping people maintain a balanced lifestyle. These applications ground individuals as they remind and prompt them to take care of their physical and mental health amidst the work that surrounds them. These are crucial for a sustainable work-life balance.
For example, with mental health apps - their digital presence highlights their accessibility to many individuals. This creates an option that is convenient and effective for those who need the tools and resources to manage their mental health, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.
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Ergonomic setups
Besides digital technology, there is also physical technology to improve health and wellness. Ergonomic gadgets are examples of such physical technology.
These innovations include standing desks and blue light glasses. These items can reduce physical strain and improve overall health. These innovations aid in the creation of a comfortable and healthier work environment.
This is because ergonomic setups do more than prevent body related strains. They enhance the work environment. This is especially the case for work environments that share the same space as an individual’s personal environment.
Ergonomic design ensures a balance for mental health and productivity. This is because a comfortable workspace can help delineate and manage the boundaries between work and personal time. This is important given how a blurred boundary becomes a concern in discourse about work-life balance.
Achieving work-life balance is within our control
Despite the blurry lines technology may create between work and personal life, it also provides the tools and functionalities to improve productivity and well-being. It depends on us to utilise them effectively to achieve the level of work-life balance that we desire.
For a conducive work environment, ergonomic setups are key. By The Bay offers such opportunities through Bayspace. Bayspace reinvents the workplace, offering solutions that enable the flexible and collaborative work style tailored to every need - fostering productivity and innovation. From event halls to office suites, find out more here: Get a Productivity Boost with BaySpace 👩💻 or enquire our Bayspace team today.