Abstract:
This conceptual paper critically examines the concept of work-life balance and
identifies fundamental flaws in it, through the available literature. The author proposes
inner harmony (body, mind and spirit) and outer harmony (work, family, society)
of managers as a refreshing approach to ensure “work in life” and “life in work”.
Nishkam Karma (detached involvement) as opposed to Sakam Karma (attached
involvement) is featured as an approach to ensure the “work in life” with both inner
and outer harmony. The awareness needed on macro factors, such as national policies,
affecting such a harmony, was also emphasized. Producing value through practicing
values is proposed to maintain individual and institutional harmony. Art and science
of such an endeavour is portrayed through yin-yang duality. In order to ensure “life
in work”, with engaged employees excel in their performance, a practical framework
of 10 Cs is proposed. The paper concludes that in an increasingly changing world,
ensuring inner and outer harmony with individual and institutional initiatives is the
sure-fire way towards prosperity.
