Work-Life Harmony: What an Interesting Concept
We’ve all heard of work-life balance—the idea of managing time between work and personal responsibilities. Then there’s work-life integration, which suggests that our personal and professional lives are naturally intertwined rather than compartmentalized. But when I think of work-life harmony, Oxford’s definition of harmony resonates with me the most: “the quality of forming a pleasing and consistent whole.”
To me, work-life harmony requires both balance and integration. It’s about being fulfilled in all areas of life by consistently showing up as your authentic self in every arena.
Yes, there will be times when you need to separate work and home—perhaps you shouldn’t answer emails during your daughter’s recital or on your honeymoon. But then there are moments when integration enhances your experience. Maybe you bring your family along on a work trip to Santa Monica, or, if you’re like me, you arrive in Nashville a day early to meet your daughter before meetings begin.
There isn’t an exact science to achieving harmony, but there must be a way to unapologetically be yourself, fill your cup, and still meet the many demands of life. So how do you do it?
1. Set Work Boundaries
Establish clear times to turn work off and on. Just as your kids can’t call you in the middle of a meeting to chat about nonsense, your colleagues shouldn’t be able to call after hours for non-urgent matters. And let’s be honest—how many so-called “urgent” issues are solved within 24 hours, only for the same topic to resurface in another meeting three months later? Setting boundaries helps preserve your personal time and mental well-being.
2. Make Work Travel Meaningful
I realized that despite traveling for work, I rarely experienced the cities I visited—I only saw the inside of a hotel conference room for 8-10 hours a day. Now, I make it a point to do something enjoyable on every trip. Whether it’s a lunchtime walk, visiting a local coffee shop, or meeting up with a friend in town, find a way to make work travel meaningful for you.
3. Establish Your Priorities
No matter what’s happening in life, you must define your priorities. Priorities serve as your guiding light, influencing decisions and helping you maintain harmony. Some priorities remain constant, while others shift depending on life’s demands. The key is to take control—don’t let your day dictate what’s important. Define it for yourself.
4. Prioritize Your Health
Health is wealth. Taking care of your well-being ensures you have the energy to show up in all areas of your life. Whether it’s through movement, nutrition, or rest, make time for yourself so you can truly live, not just function.
Finding work-life harmony isn’t about achieving perfection—it’s about aligning your life in a way that feels fulfilling and sustainable. What does work-life harmony look like for you?