Work-Life Balance Is Not a Myth, It's the Key to Happiness at Work!
People can spend an average of 25-35% of their lives working, which equals a quarter or even nearly half of their lifetime. Therefore, happiness in the workplace is crucial for the workers themselves as most of their days will be spent on the job.
Finding happiness at work requires a reciprocal relationship between the company and the employees. No matter how great an employee is at their job, it will be difficult for them to achieve happiness if the company does not provide a supportive ecosystem and work culture. Conversely, an ideal company ecosystem and culture will be in vain if the employees do not have a good work ethic.
Companies like Google, for instance, implement a work culture through a program called "20% Time”. This program allows all employees to use 20% of their daily work hours to do whatever they like outside of their job responsibilities. Besides the work program, Google also ensures comfort and happiness for its employees by providing facilities such as video game rooms, gyms, and cafes.
Such programs and facilities create not only a work culture that is important for maintaining the ecosystem of an organization or company but also a safe space for workers. A study by the American Psychological Association (APA) shows that a supportive and safe work culture can reduce employee stress levels by up to 30%.
Through a good work culture, happiness is not only experienced by the employees but also the company. How so? Because a happy employee will certainly showcase ideal performance and work ethic, hence enhancing the company's value in the eyes of clients or customers.
In addition to adequate work programs and environmental facilities, the effectiveness of work culture should also be supported by regulations. The regulations made by the company and the state serve to provide rights and balance between work activities and employees' personal lives. These regulations include flexible working hours, leave policies, and employee welfare programs.
Ensuring happiness at work is a joint effort between the company and the employees. In this case, work culture plays an important role and needs to be embraced by both parties. If the above aspects are fulfilled, the phrase "work-life balance" will not be just a myth. Work culture is the key!
