Are you buzzed about Balance?

What is balance? Your Employer & Co-workers preach the word; you try everything in your power to obtain it. So what’s all the buzz?

Looking up balance in the Webster online dictionary the following nouns and verbs can be used to describe the meaning of balance:

1) Balance (noun): A state of equilibrium or equality of distribution.

2) Balance (verb): Bring into balance or equilibrium; "She has to balance work and her domestic duties"; "balance the two weights".

Balance: Some would describe it: 1) feeling happy & fulfilled at work and home. 2) The ability to have a successful career & rewarding home life. 3) Time to pursue outside interest as well as professional interests.

Balance may mean something different to each individual but boils down to one common theme: Being happy with home and work life.

I belong to a balance & diversity committee at work. We were privileged to read our coworker’s answers to the question, “What does balance mean to them”? May verbs and nouns later… The common theme, be happy!

Balance is an equation! Part 1- Employer offers flexibility in a changing workforce to keep employees motivated & content. Part 2- Employees must be honest with their employer regarding their goals and their limits. That way both are working on a perfect balance equation for you.

I see & hear employee’s harboring negative feeling for their situation all the time. Instead of going to the employer to discuss… they continue to complain behind close doors. Some find another job with another company to obtain “balance”. Sometimes the new company will aid in achieving that balance equation. Other times you will still find yourself in the same situation with your new employer.

To achieve Balance the bottom line is to communicate your goals and wants to your Employer! If you don’t communicate, how do you expect a successful equation and solution? I realize this is easier in theory than practice. At some point you have to let go and not be consumed with, “what will the Employer think of me”… Be brave and be honest.

On the other hand there fear can stop you form being honest. Some companies are old fashion. They are not up with the times of our changing workforce & their needs. Therefore balance is a foreign word. Another challenge can be when it is a male dominated workforce. The only job in these male dominated workforces offering balance is the receptionist position. I agree this is a feminine perspective but lets face it, how many men do you know going around talking about balance between work and home life. They may think about it but very few are brave enough to say it.

Just like everything in life balance is a two way street. To obtain balance requires hard work. Finding our balance is like a road of self discovery and self improvement. If we aren’t out there learning new coping skills, methods and putting in good old fashion blood and sweat…Balance will remain an unattainable ideal.