KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA SANGATHANZONAL INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING

CHANDIGARH

TRAINING Module onWORK LIFE BALANCE

(120 minutes-duration)

GUIDANCE

FOREWORD

Work-life balance has always been a concern of those interested in

the quality of working life and its relation to broader quality of life.

In the community, there is growing concern that the quality of

home and community life is deteriorating. There are various

explanations for this associated with affluence, the growth of

single parent families, the privatization of family life and the lack

of local resources and facilities. In addition, the pressures and

demands of work, reflected both in longer hours, more

exhaustion and the growth of evening and weekend work, leave

less scope for “quality” family time. The consequences include

increase in juvenile crime, more drug abuse, reduction in care of

the community and in community participation and less

willingness to take responsibility for care of elderly relatives and

for the disadvantaged.

The conflict between the demands of work and the decline of

work as a central life interest results in an imbalance between

work and the rest of life.

CONTENTS 1. History

2. Work statistics, Stress and work-life balance

3. Six components of work life balance

& Work life balance tips.

4. Work, school & life balance

5. Consequences of poor balance & benefits of work life balance.

AIMS: - The aim of this module is to introduce the topic of

work-life balance, to explain why it is of contemporary

interest, to identify some of the key conceptual and empirical

issues and to open up the topic for debate. This module also

aims at promoting strategies so that the participants can

understand the importance of “WORK LIFE BALANCE “and

bring about the necessary improvement in their attitude so as

to maintain the balance between their work & family life. The

reason behind such an endeavor is to keep the multi-faceted

implication it has in the larger interest of the

Vidyalaya/organization.

OBJECTIVES : - The main objectives of this training module

is to enable the participants to know how to maintain a

perfect balance between the “Work & life” , which in turn

shall immensely enhance the capacity and confidence building

in the School/organization.

METHODOLOGY:-

Lecture cum demonstration

Discussion cum group discussion

Activities and group activities

Interaction

Case studiesPARTICIPANTS:-

The participants will consist of Kendriya Vidyalaya

employees of all categories.

DURATION:- 120 Minutes

UNIT-WISE BREAK-UP

Unit 1.

Unit 2. Introduction to : (a)Work statistics

Introduction to : (a) Meaning of work life balance (b) History of work life balance (c)Various theories of work life balance

(b)Survey Reports (c)Stress and work-life balance

Unit 3. Six components of work life balance & Work-Life Balance Tips

1) Self-Management

2) Time Management

3) Stress Management

4) Change Management

5) Technology Management

6) Leisure Management

Unit 4. Work, School & Life Balance

Stop regretting failures and start learning from mistakes Examine your old habits — search for new ways to

change or eliminate them Try rewarding yourself when you get things done as you

planned Concentrate on one thing at a time Catch yourself when you are involved in unproductive

projects Benefit — Make your life enjoyable You must change how you think — Positive attitude Laughter breaks tension (laugh during the day) Be social — talk to people — feeling connected to others

is a great way to reduce stress and burnout Fun stuff — puzzles, word search

Unit 5 Consequences of an Imbalance & benefits of work life balance

(a)Factors affecting mental health (b) Trauma (c) Stress

Unit 1Meaning, history & theories of Work life balance.Objectives: -To enable the participants to understand the meaning, know the history & get acquainted with the various theories of work life balance.

Content:- Meaning of work life balance - Work–life balance is a concept including proper prioritizing between "work" (career and ambition) and "lifestyle" (health, pleasure, leisure, family and spiritual development/meditation ) History of work life balance

The expression "work–life balance" was first used in the United Kingdom in the late 1970s, to describe the balance between an individual's work and personal life.

Most recently, there has been a shift in the workplace as a result of advances in technology. As Bowswell and Olson-Buchanan stated, "increasingly sophisticated and affordable technologies have made it more feasible for employees to keep contact with work". Employees have many methods, such as emails, computers, and cell phones, which enable them to accomplish their work beyond the physical boundaries of their office. Employees may respond to an email or a voice mail after-hours or during the weekend, typically while not officially "on the job". Researchers have found that employees who consider their work roles to be an important component of their identities will be more likely to

apply these communication technologies to work while in their non-work domain.

Some theorists suggest that this blurred boundary of work and life is a result of technological control. Technological control "Emerges from the physical technology of an organization". In other words, companies use email and distribute smartphones to enable and encourage their employees to stay connected to the business even when they are not in the office. This type of control, as Barker argues, replaces the more direct, authoritarian control, or simple control, such as managers and bosses. As a result, communication technologies in the temporal and structural aspects of work have changed, defining a "new workplace" in which employees are more connected to the jobs beyond the boundaries of the traditional workday and workplace.

Many authors believe that parents being affected by work-life conflict will either reduce the number of hours one works where other authors suggest that a parent may run away from family life or work more hours at a workplace. This implies that each individual views work-life conflict differently.

\Methodology:-

Lecture cum demonstrationInteraction

Time schedule:-Lecture cum demonstration ----------- 10 minutesInteraction--------------------------------- 10 minutes

Instruction to trainees:-

The talk can begin with an inspirational audio/visual or verbal input or stimulate. This can be like a slide show on appearance, attitude or aptitude. The talk can be a motivational and interactive one.

Unit 2Introduction to : (a)Work statistics (b)Survey Report (c)Stress and work-life balance

Perceptions of work-life balance and gender differences Work-life balance concerns of men and women alike Young generation views on work-life balance Identity through work Women, Maternity Leave Men

Objectives:- – TO enable the participants to know about the survey reports of different countries relating to the work life balance & the stress caused due to poor balance.

Content:- According to a survey conducted by the National Life Insurance Company, four out of ten employees state that their jobs are "very" or "extremely" stressful. Those in high-stress jobs are three times more likely than others to suffer from stress-related medical conditions and are twice as likely to quit. The study states that women, in particular, report stress related to the conflict between work and family.

In the study, researchers found that with an increased amount of negative spillover from work to family, the likelihood of reporting stress within the family is about 74%, and that from family to work it is about 47%..

It is clear that problems caused by stress have become a major concern to both employers and employees. Symptoms of stress are manifested both physiologically and psychologically. Persistent stress can result in cardiovascular disease, sexual health problems, a weaker immune system and frequent headaches, stiff muscles, or backache. It can also result in poor coping skills, irritability, jumpiness, insecurity, exhaustion, and difficulty in concentrating. Stress may also lead to binge eating, smoking, and alcohol consumption.

Work-life conflict is not gender-specific. According to the Center for American Progress, 90 percent of working mothers and 95 percent of working fathers report work-family conflict. However, because of the social norms surrounding each gender role, and how the organization views its ideal worker, men and women handle the work-life balance differently.

Young generation views on work-life balance

Young adults believe that parents should get involved and support the children both economically and emotionally, as well as share labor equally. Young people do not believe work-life balance is possible and think it is dangerous to build a life dependent on another when relationships are unpredictable. They are looking for partners to share the house work and family work together. Men and women believe that women should have jobs before considering marriage, for better life and to be happy in marriage. Young people do not think their mother’s generations were unhappy. They also do not think they were powerless because they were economically dependent.

Women:Today there are many young women who do not want to just stay at home and do house work, but want to have careers. About 64% of mothers whose youngest child was

under age six, and 77% of mothers with a youngest child age 6-17 were employed in 2010, indicating that the majority of women with dependent care responsibilities cannot or do not wish to give up careers. While women are increasingly represented in the work force, they still face challenges balancing work and home life. Both domestic and market labour compete for time and energy.

MenMen know that work alone may not provide their lives with meaning. Young men can lose their meaning of life; they want a balance between paid work and personal attachments without being victimized at work. More men are realizing that work is not their only primary source of fulfillment from life. A new study on fatherhood (2010) shows that more men are looking for alternatives to their 40-hour workweek in order to spend more time with their family. Though working less means a smaller paycheck and higher stress levels, men are looking for flexibility just as much as women. However, with an ever-changing society, flexibility is becoming much more apparent.Methodology:-

Lecture cum demonstration

Interaction

Case studiesTime schedule:-

Lecture cum demonstration……………10 minutes

Interaction……………………………...10 minutes

Case studies………………………… . 10 minutes

Instruction to trainees:- The trainees are to be asked to make at least five case studies

in their respective schools (separately for the teachers & students) where the work life imbalance brings “stress” & hampers the efficiency & output.

Unit 3Six components of work life balance &

work life balance tips.Objectives:-Detailed discussion is to be made about the components of work life balance so as to enable the participants how to maintain the balance between work & life.Content:-

1) Self-Management

Sufficiently managing one’s self can be challenging, particularly in getting proper sleep, exercise, and nutrition. Self-management is the recognition that effectively using the spaces in our lives is vital, and that available resources, time, and life are finite. It means becoming captain of our own ship; no one is coming to steer for us.2) Time Management

Effective time management involves making optimal use of your day. Time management is enhanced through appropriate goals and discerning what is both important and urgent, versus important or urgent. It entails knowing what you do best and when, and assembling the appropriate tools to accomplish specific tasks.

3) Stress Management

By nature, societies tend to become more complex over time. In the face of increasing complexity, stress on the individual is inevitable. More people, distractions, and noise require each of us to become adept at maintaining tranquillity and working ourselves out of pressure-filled situations. Most forms of multi-tasking ultimately increase our stress, versus focusing on one thing at a time.4) Change Management

In our fast-paced world, change is virtually the only constant. Continually adopting new methods and re-adapting others is vital to a successful career and a happy home life. Effective change management involves making periodic and concerted efforts to ensure that the volume and rate of change at work and at home does not overwhelm or defeat you.5) Technology Management

Effectively managing technology means ensuring that technology serves you, rather than abuses you. Now, the rate of change is accelerating, brought on by vendors seeking expanding market share. Often there is no choice but to keep up with the technological Joneses, but you must rule technology, not vice versa.

6) Leisure Management

Leisure management acknowledges the importance of rest and relaxation- that one can’t short-change leisure, and that “time off” is a vital component of the human experience. Curiously, too much of the same leisure activity, however enjoyable, can lead to monotony. Thus, effective leisure management requires varying one’s activities.

Work life balance tips.

stop unnecessary activities — make a list Protect your private time — you wouldn’t skip work,

parent teacher conference or a doctor appointment — you deserve the same respect

Accept help — allow yourself to rely on partner/friend/family

Plan fun and relaxation — hobbies, exercise Don’t overbook — things rarely go according to a

prearranged agenda Prioritize — learn to ask questions to help determine

urgency Learn how to say “no” — you don’t have to agree to

everything Organize — Time management is not just about

scheduling; the mechanics of how you do the things, is important

Know life will not always be perfect — don’t stress about making every second of your time perfect. Be grateful for what goes right and learn from your mistakes.

Methodology :- Lecture Method

Interaction Method

Time Schedule :- Introduction…………………………..05 minutes Discussion about the different

components…………………………….10 minutes Interaction……………. ……………….10 minutes

Instruction to Trainees :-

Participants are to be asked to apply the knowledge in classroom situation & guide the students about the effective management of above areas.

Unit 4Work, School & Life BalanceObjectives:- Discussion is to be made on various factors responsible for maintaining balance between work & life and what care is to be taken to overcome the poor balance .

Content:-

Manage your time effectively — Set some priorities and — most importantly — cut out all procrastination and other wasted time.

Share the load — If your work is creeping into the rest of your life, that’s a good sign that you have more on your plate than you can handle. It may be time to find someone at work who can help you handle the load.

Slow Down — When things get hectic and your stress level starts to rise, simply put down whatever you’re working on. Take a breather and allow yourself to forget about work. During crunch time, don’t be afraid to take a break from studying or work. Do something else physical and enjoyable. When you get back to what you were doing, you will feel refreshed and invigorated.

Figure out what really matters — Take time to reflect on what’s important to you. Are you neglecting anyone? If so, it may be time to make some changes to your lifestyle. You

need to remember that your happiness is worth a lot more than anything money can buy.

Overdrive Syndrome, Self-Examination & Reward

Stop the Overdrive Syndrome

Make a conscience decision to stop rushing Allow time for getting ready for unseen delays Learn to let go Avoid eating meals in the car, at your desk, or in front of

the TV Stop and breath throughout the day

Work/Life & School involves Self Examination and Reward

Stop regretting failures and start learning from mistakes Examine your old habits — search for new ways to

change or eliminate them Try rewarding yourself when you get things done as you

planned Concentrate on one thing at a time Catch yourself when you are involved in unproductive

projects

Defeat Job Burnout

Benefit — Make your life enjoyable You must change how you think — Positive attitude Laughter breaks tension (laugh during the day) Be social — talk to people — feeling connected to others

is a great way to reduce stress and burnout Fun stuff — puzzles, word search

Methodology :- Lecture Method

Interaction Method

Time Schedule :- Introduction…………………………..05 minutes Discussion about the different

Components…………………………….15 minutes Interaction……………. ……………….10 minutes Instruction to trainees:- Trainees are to be instructed to impart the knowledge gained during the training, in the class room situation & guide the students for the effective implementation of the above methods.

Unit 5.

Consequences of an Imbalance & benefits of work life balance

Objectives:- To enable the participants to know the consequences of work life imbalance & the benefit one gets both at home & at the work place by maintaining work life balance.Content:- Problems Resulting from Poor Work-Life Balance 43Prolonged Fatigue Level, Sleepiness and extreme tirednessShortage of timeWork Pressure Creates Insomnia and Poor DietProductivity and Work Quality is reducedDue to Long Working Hours, relationship with friends ,relatives & family members is affected. No Private Time for Recreation Activities or Sports at all

Getting Physically Sick easily and frequently due to heavy WorkloadGetting Stressed , Depressed and Exhausted After Work

Benefits of work life balance

Balancing family and work life is a difficult endeavor to achieve, but doing so encourages the development of valuable skills that you can apply to other areas of life. Striking a balance between home and work life, promotes stronger family relationships, good health and confident children. Employers can benefit as well.

Learning the Importance of Scheduling

Scheduling -- adhering to a schedule -- is crucial to balancing family and work life. Family members know what to expect and what is expected of them on a daily basis; they also know that everyone has demands on their time. In addition, though, learning how to keep to a schedule is a valuable skill to develop. It promotes the practice of being prepared and punctual.

The Ease of Organization

To balance family life and work life, it is imperative that family members are organized. Family members must be responsible for keeping their personal spaces tidy, must know their chores and complete them, and must have the necessary items ready when it's time to be somewhere. The ability to be organized is a skill that breeds success in almost every area of life, and to learn it at home is the best place to begin.

Stronger Family Relationships

Families that work together to help the parents ,balance their home and work lives, build stronger relationships with each other as they all contribute to making the household run smoothly. Balancing family and work life, aids in keeping a marriage strong. When parents and children spend time together doing chores, and take time to have fun and relax together too, strong bonds develop.

Good Physical and Mental Health

Being able to balance family life and work life results in good health for two main reasons. For one, having a schedule allows time for exercise, which is important for every family member's physical health. Most importantly, though, a balance of home life and work life results in a lower stress level for all family members. Parents tend to experience less guilt when they're finding a balance between family and work, which means less stress. High-stress situations can cause physical health problems as well as mental health issues.

What Children Gain in the Balance

Children thrive in environments that are organized and predictable. When a family succeeds at a balance between home life and work life, children feel secure in knowing what will be happening and when. Unpredictable events are managed better when a schedule is already in place, so that when the crisis is over, things will fall easily back into place. Also, children see parents more relaxed and happy in a family situation where everyone is working together to strike a healthy balance.

How Employers Benefit

Employers that have family-friendly policies in place tend to retain their employees, which results in less turnover and saves them money. Employees that work in a family-supportive workplace ,miss less work, and are happier and more productive on the job. Thus employers who encourage a balance between family and work benefit in the end as well

Benefits of Work Life Balance in your Personal Life

Setting clear boundaries between your professional and your personal life is one of the most powerful things you can do for yourself. By doing so, you enable yourself to experience things more fully, to be more present in each moment of your life, and to spend more quality time with yourself and your family.

When you have a healthy work life balance, you are better able to enjoy the time that you are away from the office. You no longer feel the uncontrollable urge to take work home with you or to worry about work related issues while you are at home. You also have a much easier time getting to sleep and staying asleep.Long gone will be the days filled with anxiety and the sleepless nights you’ve gone through while worrying about work. You will feel a much higher level of relaxation overall. You’ll be able to truly enjoy the time you spend with your friends and family. This will make you a better spouse, a better parent, a better student and a better human being.

By achieving work life balance, you allow yourself to be more present and focused in your conversations with your spouse, with your children, and with the higher power you believe in. You are able to become more aware of yourself, your strengths, weaknesses, values, and interests. You become a well rounded person and as a result, more compassionate and accepting of yourself and others.

Benefits of Work Life Balance in your Professional Life

Work-life balance is not only beneficial to your personal life, it also has incredible effects on your professional life. When you establish healthy and clear boundaries between your work life and your personal life, you are much more relaxed and clear headed. As a result, you are more productive, more effective and confident at decision making, and more creative.

Your new-found creativity translates into innovation, product creation, improved sales and marketing strategies, and much more. It also results in “out of the box” thinking and creative problem solving. Having a clear mind and feeling grounded are essential to getting ahead in your career. These are particular traits shared by some of the most successful business people out there. They are traits that many would like to have but don’t know how to obtain.

Methodology:- Lecture Method Interaction Method Case studies

Time schedule:- Consequences of poor balance………….05 minutes Benefits of work life balance……….. 05 minutes

Interaction ………………………….. 05 minutes

Instruction to trainees:-The trainees shall have to understand that poor work life balance ruins life. If one understands, acquires and applies the management skills, he/she can overcome stress, control disaster, manage conflict as well as time properly & lead a meaningful life.