The age-old challenge of balancing life and work took on new meaning when the pandemic made working from home the new normal. While some employees enjoyed an improved life-work balance, others struggled with having no shut-off switch for their on-the-job responsibilities. And then came the priority shifting and value tweaking that swept through the workforce, ushering in new mindsets about work, family, and life. This modified set of expectations for life-work balance has become—for many employees—normalcy.

So, what does this mean for employers in 2023? Predictions indicate that many companies will encourage—or force—employees back into the workplace. With such changes on the horizon, here’s what to expect.

  • Businesses will experience pushback from workers whose life-work balance improved with work-from-anywhere scenarios.
  • Employers must consider the upheaval such change will bring to their employees’ lives and prepare to address the inevitable morale and retention issues.
  • Companies must show they understand their employees’ desires by incorporating work schedule options, growth prospects, and employee engagement into the company’s mission.
  • Employers should also accept that there’s no returning to that same ol’, same ol’ pre-pandemic workplace environment. As much as we would like to forget the past three years of challenges and upheaval, we cannot ignore those years or their impact on the world and the workplace.

What will propel employees’ ongoing mission to enhance their life-work balance? Many folks attain more harmony between their personal and work lives by initiating boundaries in their areas of control.

Few folks remember when it wasn’t the norm to have a phone in your pocket, purse, or backpack. This technology keeps us constantly connected with family, friends, and work. Of course, we chuckle at the thought of unplugging our devices or firmly denouncing technology. But if we consider the toll of this “always on” status, we might discover why we often feel edgy, fatigued, and irritable.

What if you were committed to an unplugged timeframe each day or even a shut-off day each week? While this way of life might take some getting used to, it could prove life-changing.

And speaking of digital connections . . .

Assessing the amount of time and the degree of influence that social media has on our lives can enhance harmony in both our personal and professional spheres. Consider instituting time limits and eliminating negative connections because . . . why not? Instead, grasp those rare, precious moments that life offers to refresh and recharge your inner self.

ASJ Partners looks forward to continuing our mission of assisting recruiting and staffing agencies throughout the new year. So put our marketing expertise in the staffing industry to work for your company; together, we’ll make 2023 your best year! Contact our team today!