For years, we’ve dreamed and talked a lot about work-life balance – a perfect equilibrium between professional and private life, where the laptop closes at 5 p.m. and work stays in the office. It sounded great, but… was it ever really possible?
Today, the conversation has shifted from “balance” to work-life integration – a model where the boundaries are more fluid, and both spheres naturally intertwine. Working from home, flexible hours, handling personal matters during the day, or replying to an email in the evening – that’s the everyday reality for many of us.
Work-life balance – mental hygiene or artificial boundary?
Work-life balance was meant to protect us from burnout, giving a sense of control and a clear line: here’s work, there’s personal life. For many, it remains a cornerstone of mental well-being – without a clear cutoff, it’s hard to relax and truly “switch off.”
On the other hand, for some, this concept feels like an echo of another era – when work was something you couldn’t wait to escape from at 5:01 p.m.
Work-life integration – freedom or the risk of being “always on”?
Work-life integration assumes we don’t have to divide our lives artificially. You can work in the morning, take a walk with your child at noon, and get back to tasks in the evening. It’s a great model for those who value flexibility, manage their own time, and enjoy their work.
The risk? Blurred boundaries, the feeling of being constantly “on call,” and ultimately – no real rest.
Or maybe harmony?
More and more often, we hear about work-life harmony – the harmony between work and personal life. It’s neither about rigid separation nor complete overlap, but rather about finding a rhythm that fits our lifestyle, values, and current needs.
Is there one right approach?
In my view – there isn’t. For some, work-life balance is the foundation of mental health and a sense of security. For others, integration provides freedom and energy. And perhaps the future belongs to harmony, which allows us to adjust the proportions depending on where we are in life.
Author: Katarzyna Chylak, Head of Operations and Recruitment Services, in4ge
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