Many people today find it difficult to balance the demands of their work and personal life. What are the causes of this situation, and what can individuals and employers do to reduce the problem?

You should give reasons for your answer, and include ideas and examples from your own knowledge and experience.

It has been harder for people to seek a compromise between their jobs and their private life nowadays on account of the increased workload, modern technology and economic recession. In my essay, I would like to state some feasible solutions people can take to cope with this problem.

Keeping a positive balance between work and personal life has become harder for employees than ever before. Firstly, the increase in workloads has led to longer working hours, and employers also expect employees to be always available outside business hours as well. Secondly, the economic decline has made the labour market increasingly competitive. Therefore, employees have to focus their attention on working for fear that they would face redundancy or even be fired. Lastly, the rise of communication tools, ranging from smart phones to laptops and teleconferencing equipment, has accelerated the trend as people are contactable all the time. 

However, balancing people’s working hours and their daily life is one of the things both employers and employees cannot disregard. There are various measures to be taken to deal with this issue. To begin with, employees should clarify with their employers the working time and the private one to be free of work and out of contact. Another positive development would be for employers to allow more flexible working hours. Thus, managers could work out sensible working timetables to meet both the job demands and employees’ personal satisfaction. Last but not least, employees themselves need to be well trained in time and stress management together with relaxation techniques. These essential skills would help to reduce the anxiety that stems from heavy workloads and overwork. 

In conclusion, the increased workloads and fear of unemployment could be some of the reasons that have triggered off a work-life imbalance. Nevertheless, both employees and employers can co-operate in alleviating the impact of the issue.

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