Work-life balance has changed over time and it has become evident that a shift in what work-life balance means is necessary. With blurred lines between home life and job life during the early stages of the pandemic, many employees worked long, odd hours, while simultaneously juggling kids, household responsibilities, and any fear and anxiety related to COVID-19.
Many workers already struggled with this balance, but the pandemic certainly magnified the need for more personal time. Employees no longer want to work tirelessly for years in a cubicle until their retirement, missing out on their personal lives and struggling with their mental health in the meantime.
Technological advances, coupled with the rise of remote work and flexibility, have changed what work-life balance means to different people. That’s a trend we can view generationally:
Baby boomers
Baby Boomers were born between 1945 and 1964. Their parents, known as the Silent Generation, lived through the Great Depression, meaning they were exposed to hardships starting from a very young age. They were taught to prioritize work in order to provide for their families, and craved loyalty and stability in the workplace. As a result, work-life balance wasn’t a main concern of theirs. They usually stayed at the same company for several years—often the majority of their careers—and worked long hours to avoid the financial challenges their parents faced.
Gen X
Gen Xers, born between 1965 and 1980, saw firsthand their Baby Boomer parents’ poor work-life balance. This likely is what propelled them into being the first generation to recognize the concept of a work-life balance. Unlike their parents, they were (and are) less likely to stay in one job for the entirety of their career, see nothing wrong with making a career change, and prioritize spending time with their family. They look for more flexibility in their jobs—whether that means working remotely twice a week or leaving the office early a few times a week to be able to pick up their kids from school. These employees still don’t mind working long hours, as long as their contributions are recognized.
Millennials
Millennials, born between 1981 and 2000, have begun to redefine the workplace, job hopping or taking on multiple roles and side-hustles to explore different career paths and passions. A work-life balance is incredibly important to this generation, and they seek out opportunities that empower them to have a life outside of work. Flexible work hours, remote work, and paid time off are essential benefits. They’re more inclined to seek out companies that share their own personal values and morals and accommodate their unique schedules.
Mike Russell, a millennial and CEO of PaintZen, describes what work-life balance means to him:
“For me, work-life balance means being fully engaged with the world I am currently in—whether it be at work, at home with my family, at the gym, playing basketball, or just spending time with friends. I’ve found that it’s not just about the physical time spent in all the aspects of my life, but being mentally present to really get the most out of each one.”
Gen Z is just now beginning to enter the workforce, but they’re swiftly following in millennials’ footsteps to ensure that flexibility and wellbeing are solid pillars of their workplace.
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