Work life balance

Work-life balance is about people having a measure of control over when, where and how they work. It is only properly achieved when an individual's right to a fulfilled life inside and outside paid work is accepted and respected. An ideal work life balance may seem a dream where there are constant family and peer pressures 'to be responsible' - or to be more and more successful or wealthy. It can sometimes seem impossible to place considerations such as one's own personal values, beliefs and good health into the equation.

Common work life conflicts include:

  • People coping with illness (self, friend or relative).
  • Supporting a young family or an elderly relative.
  • Wealthy people working long hours whilst neglecting their families that they strive to support.
  • Workforce posted to locations away from their loved ones.
  • Re-training in a new skill.
  • Separations/divorce.
  • Need for a change of pace or direction.
  • Perfectionists who find it hard to finish projects.
  • Different types of workaholic.

Your new strengths and abilities

  • Awareness of different options that could be acceptable, even favourable, to both employer and employee.
  • Ability to present realistic solutions for both parties.
  • Life back in control and able to be more productive and happy again.

Did you know?

Work-life balance policies and practice can be good for business. Some benefits can be directly measured financially and these include:

  • Increased productivity.
  • Improved recruitment and retention: BT saved 3m in recruitment costs in the year to March 2003, since 98% of women returned after maternity leave.
  • Lower rates of absenteeism: The London Borough of Camden experienced a 2.5% reduction in the cost of sickness absence in the first year it introduced a work-life balance strategy.
  • Reduced overheads: BT saved 52m in overheads in the year to March 2003 by increasing its number of home workers; this also means an annual saving of 10m in fuel costs.
  • Improved customer experience.
  • More motivated, satisfied and equitable workforce.

Who would benefit?

Anyone who's work is suffering due to any of life's pressures listed above.


To discuss a current or potential need, contact Robin Johnson at OvationXL
on 0845 260 7700 or