WORK IN LIFE AND LIFE IN WORK: MANIFEST REALITY AND MANAGERIAL RESPONSES

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.