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Southern New Hampshire University *
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402
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Arts Humanities
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Apr 3, 2024
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docx
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Module One Activity Lens Exploration: Work-Life Balance
Kathryn Roach
IDS-402: Wellness, Southern New Hampshire University
Professor Morton
January 21, 2024
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Existing Knowledge
Work-life balance is a critical aspect of wellness that has gained increasing attention in modern-
day society.
The ultimate objective in wellness is to stay conscious and well-rounded and make decisions that allow us to be the best version of ourselves. Many of us, me included, juggle heavy workloads, navigate relationships and family responsibilities, and carve out time for personal interests. This paper explores work-life balance through various lenses, including history, humanities, natural and applied sciences, and social sciences. By examining the historical evolution, cultural meanings, scientific perspectives, and social implications of work-
life balance, we can understand its significance in promoting overall wellness.
Historical Lens
As a concept, work-life balance has evolved, shaped by societal changes and economic shifts. The Industrial Revolution marked a significant turning point as traditional agrarian societies transitioned to industrialized urban settings. In the era of the Industrial Revolution in England, a typical factory worker would endure a 16-hour workday, six days a week, establishing a work-
sleep-work routine as the norm (Dittmer, 2020). It wasn't until 1905 that Henry Ford popularized the "9-5" workday, a concept initially proposed by Robert Owen in 1817 (Dittmer, 2020). The distinction between work and personal life became more pronounced during this period. Dates such as the 19th and 20th centuries witnessed the emergence of labor movements and legislation regulating working hours (Pendelton et al., 2021). The historical record reflects the ongoing struggle for better work conditions and the acknowledgment of the importance of balancing work
and personal life.
Humanities Lens
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Within cultures, work-life balance holds varying meanings. Different societies attribute different values to the balance between professional and personal spheres. Cultural norms, traditions, and beliefs influence how individuals express themselves in their approach to work-life balance. For example, the “grind” is glamorized in America, and 40 hours is considered standard. Many in society have no problem subscribing to this norm, but many also take issue with it, stating that it leaves them no time to take care of other aspects of their lives. “The American work ethic remains intact, yet in recent years, personal and family lives have become critical values that Americans are less willing to put on hold, put aside, or ignore, for the sake of work” (Lockwood,
2003). People's lived experiences, as depicted in literature, art, and cultural practices, offer insights into the diverse ways individuals navigate the complexities of balancing work and life. Natural and Applied Science Lens
The natural and applied sciences lens allows one to examine work-life balance through objective measurement and scientific inquiry. Scientific methods can be employed to study work-related stress's physiological and psychological impacts on overall wellness. In 2020, Grand Canyon University studied factors influencing work-life balance, surveying 600 business professionals (Work-life balance stats among business professionals, 2022). The study delved into their experiences, addressing barriers encountered, areas affected by poor work-life balance, and expectations for future balance as their careers progress. Key barriers included personal perfectionism, company culture, and burnout, making up around 70% of responses. The aspects most affected were relationships with family and friends, self-care habits, and mental and emotional health (Work-life balance stats among business professionals, 2022).
Research in neuroscience and psychology contributes to our understanding of how the brain and body respond to prolonged work hours, stress, and the absence of leisure time. According to stress.org,
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eighty percent of workers feel stress on the job, with half stating they need help managing it (Boyd, 2023).
Social Science Lens
The social science lens allows us to analyze the broader societal implications of work-life balance. Individuals, families, and communities are affected by policies, organizational structures, and cultural expectations related to work. Work demands can influence interpersonal relationships, leading to positive and negative impacts. Social structures such as gender roles, economic systems, and organizational hierarchies play a crucial role in shaping the dynamics of work-life balance.
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References
Boyd, D. (2023, February 15). Workplace stress - The American Institute of Stress. The American Institute of Stress. https://www.stress.org/workplace-stress#:~:text=80%25%20of%20workers
%20feel%20stress,they%20fear%20could%20become%20violent
Dittmer, E. (2020, June 30). The (short) history of work-life balance and its effect on our happiness. Truly Experiences Blog. Retrieved July 2022, from https://trulyexperiences.com/blog/history-of-
work-life-balance/
Lockwood, N. R. (2003). Work/life balance. Challenges and Solutions, SHRM Research, USA, 2(10).
Pendleton, D., Derbyshire, P., & Hodgkinson, C. (2021). A Brief History of Work-Life Balance. In Work-Life Matters: Crafting a New Balance at Work and at Home (pp. 7-20). Cham: Springer International Publishing.
Work-life balance stats among business professionals. GCU. (2022). Retrieved July 2022, from https://www.gcu.edu/blog/business-management/work-life-balance-stats-among-business-
professionals