Running Head: Final Project cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc c cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc c
cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc 1
7-1 Project: Project Submission
Southern New Hampshire University
IDS 402
FINAL PROJECT 2
In recent times, several studies have been conducted to explore the concept of work-life
balance. Work-life balance is considered to be imperative for each and every person. It is a
central issue that has been affecting the well-being, personal as well as professional lives of
individuals in contemporary times (Gautam & Jain, 2018). The high demands of work over
the past years have taken a toll on the overall quality of life of individuals (Mensah &
Adjei, 2020). According to a survey by the World Health Organization (WHO), working for
excessively long hours can lead to the death of hundreds and thousands of individuals on an
annual basis (Kelly, 2021).
Social or global issue relating to wellness
The global issue relating to wellness that has been identified revolves around work-
life balance. The issue has existed for a long time as people lead a personal life as well as a
professional life. However, the severity of the issue has magnified in the contemporary era
owing to the high competition and uncertainty in the professional setting. In the globalized
era, when people face tough competition at diverse levels, it leads to changes in their
priorities in life which could ultimately impact their wellness and quality of life. The lack of
work-life balance can take a toll on an individual since it can lead to depression, anxiety,
self-confidence issues, etc. It can also adversely affect the physical health of a person by
causing exhaustion and burnout (Gragnano et al., 2020, p. 4).
Population significant to the chosen topic
The specific population group that is vital to the wellness topic relating to work-life
balance involves working professionals. As these individuals have to focus on their personal
life along with their professional life, they face high risk when it comes to the issue of work-
FINAL PROJECT 3
life balance. The inability to strike a balance between these two dimensions can negatively
affect one’s psychological and physical health. Kesri has pointed out that the poor work-life
balance of employees can lead to stress and hamper their wellness (Gragnano et al., 2020).
Impact of the society on the chosen issue
The larger global society has a significant impact on the work-life balance issue. In
the globalized era where boundaries between nations are gradually vanishing, people face
immense competition in the professional setting. To thrive and sustain in the competitive
times, they are forced to give high priority to their work over their family. In the long run,
such a choice can have an impact on their personal life and their individual well-being. The
high uncertainty and competition that people face in society further pushes them to prioritize
their work so that they can maintain a position in the social setting. The lack of necessary
social support can increase the gap between the personal and professional dimensions
(Oludayo & Omonijo, 2020). cc
General education interdisciplinary lens for analyzing the topic
The specific interdisciplinary lens that has been chosen for analyzing the work-life
balance topic is the history lens. This specific lens has been chosen as it can help in
capturing the evolution of the wellness concept. The complexity that people in contemporary
times have been facing due to the lack of work-life balance can be clearly articulated by
examine the issue through the lens.
Thesis statement
FINAL PROJECT 4
The thesis statement that has been framed for the wellness topic is ‘The lack of proper work-
life balance can adversely affect the quality of life of working professionals in contemporary
times by resulting in physical and psychological complications.’
Critical Analysis of the Wellness Topic
The wellness topic that has been selected for the project is work-life balance. The paper
aims to critically analyse the topic and shed light on the ways it impacts different
institutions. Work-life balance has become important in recent times in order to lead a
healthy and fulfilling life. It has a significant impact on different institutions. From the
historical lens, it has been found that in the former times, the work setting was less
competitive and less complex. It enabled individuals to prioritize their personal lives.
However, in recent times, the advancement in technology and the competitive environment
have led to an increase in pressure in the work setting, thereby compromising the work-life
balance (Dhas & Karthikeyan, 2015). The lack of work-life balance has negatively impacted
the families of individuals. It has given rise to conflicts. As a result of misbalance,
individuals fail to give sufficient time at home (Sheikh et al., 2018). However, maintaining a
work-life can help in minimizing conflicts and leading a healthy family life.
From the humanities lens, it has been found that individuals experience intense
pressure to thrive and sustain themselves in the highly competitive professional setting. It
has a positive impact on market-driven organizations. For instance, it can significantly
contribute to the increase in the revenues of the organizations. However, it has negatively
impacted the personal and family lives of the individuals. Long hours of work have resulted
FINAL PROJECT 5
in dissatisfaction among the employees and lowered their performance (ArunaShantha,
2019).
From the natural and applied sciences lens, it is evident that a lack of proper work-
life balance affects the psychological well-being of individuals. It often results in mental
fatigue. This can have serious impacts on family and market-driven organizations. Due to
mental fatigue, individuals may not be able to carry out their family responsibilities, thereby
resulting in conflicts. On the other hand, it also has a negative impact on the performance of
the individuals in the work setting. It can affect productivity and, ultimately, the profits of
market-driven organizations (Adnan, 2019). From the social lens, it has been found that the
lack of work-life balance affects the relationships of the individuals. The healthy
relationships of individuals in the family and organizational setting may be negatively
impacted. Thus, regardless of the general education lens that is used to investigate the
wellness topic of work-life balance among working parents, it s a serious matter of concern
in the 21st century. The impact of poor work-life balance can be felt on diverse individuals,
including working professionals, their family members, spouses, children, employers, and
colleagues.
Social Practice
In modern culture, social practices have been influenced by the issues in wellness. For
instance, organizations are now conducting interviews and surveys in order to determine the
work-life balance of the employees. Work-life initiatives and programs are being introduced
in order to provide employees with flexible work options as well as leave policies to reduce
absenteeism. Many local governments even govern the introduction of workplace wellness
FINAL PROJECT 6
programs to improve productivity and reduce health-related costs (Sabharwal et al., 2019). In
recent times, the wellness topic of work-life balance among professionals, including working
parents, has been gaining considerable attention. Employers have been focusing on this area
since it can have a major impact on the productivity and performance of the staff members.
Work-life balance among working parents
Maintaining a proper work-life balance is imperative for all professionals, especially
working parents. Factors like high work pressure, technological advancement and
globalization have led to an imbalance in the personal and professional lives of individuals
(Pahuja, 2017). The complexities for working parents get further magnified since they have
an extra responsibility towards their children. Chen has argued that working parents can face
immense stress in striking a balance between their family and work (Chen et al., 2022). It
can lead to adverse outcomes such as a decline in family satisfaction, deteriorated physical
and psychological health outcomes and poor performance at work. The challenge that
working mothers may face owing to poor work-life balance is likely to be higher as
compared to working fathers since mothers are considered to be the primary carers of their
children (Moriwaki et al., 2022).
Benefit from change
One element that can benefit from change within the topic is the promotion of work-
life balance by organizations in recent times. Organizations can consider developing a
positive culture that supports the well-being of the employees. Introducing work-life balance
policies can help in the creation of a supportive environment. It can increase the job
satisfaction of the employees and motivate them to work better, thereby contributing to the
FINAL PROJECT 7
increase in productivity of the organizations. As the number of professionals is high in
prevailing times, it is essential to focus on their wellness and well-being. Bringing about a
change can positively influence their overall quality of life.
Potential obstacle that could interfere with working parents’ engagement with the topic
A major obstacle that could arise and interfere with working parents’ engagement
with the work-life balance topic is the unavailability of time. In the prevailing globalized
era, the degree of competition has intensified significantly. Its impact can be felt in the labor
market. The high pressure to survive and sustain in the professional setting has diminished
the time that people have for themselves. Thus, the time factor could act as a major obstacle
that could deter working parents from engaging with the topic and understanding its
consequences. Rose has identified time pressure as a major deterring factor for working
parents, especially working mothers (Rose, 2017).
Factors that could impact the wellness topic
A number of factors may come into play and have a significant impact on the
wellness topic, relating to work-life balance among working parents. One of the chief factors
that have the potential to impact society’s engagement with the subject matter is the biased
behavior about gender roles. According to the social role theory, the main role that women
are expected to play is that of a principal caretaker role, and they are expected to take care
of routine domestic work. On the other hand, men are expected to act as the breadwinners
of the family (Hentschel et al., 2019). On the basis of gender stereotyping, if women decide
to enter a profession, they are expected to take care of their family life and their
professional lives. The case is no different for working mothers because they are expected to
FINAL PROJECT 8
take care of their responsibilities as a wife, a mother and a professional by striking a balance
between these roles. Such a form of bias increases work-life balance complexities for
working mothers as compared to working fathers. The general expectation of the society of
women increases the burden for them when they enter the professional landscape.
Another factor that might impact the wellness topic is social values. Such values
fundamentally are the key principles that are morally acceptable in society. Values such as
education, individual rights and honesty might influence how people perceive the work-life
balance issue among working parents (Council, 2003). For instance, a person with a limited
education background might fail to understand how adverse work-life balance may impact
family life and relationship with children.
Benefits and challenges
A number of benefits of addressing the wellness issues have been identified. One of
the major benefits is that it can promote the physical, mental, emotional, as well as
occupational well-being of the individuals. It allows the individuals to lead a healthy life and
perform better in their personal space as well as in the work setting. Despite the benefits,
there are a number of challenges in addressing wellness issues. One of the major challenges
is finding the appropriate strategies or programs that can address the wellness issues of the
individuals effectively. In the cut-throat competitive professional landscape, it can be a
daunting and stressful activity for a working parent to dedicate complete time to their
children while optimally carrying out their professional responsibility. The availability of
inadequate support from the family members and employer can increase the overall
complexity of the situation.
FINAL PROJECT 9
Recommended strategies
The critical analysis of the wellness topic has helped in developing vital skills that
can help in the achievement of both personal and professional goals. Some of the skills
include problem-solving skills and analytical thinking. Such skills can help to address the
work-life balance issue by exploring it in an in-depth manner. Proper wellness can help me
to strike a balance between my personal and professional responsibilities. I will not have to
neglect one of the areas to progress in the other. Instead, I will be able to dedicate myself to
my family members and take care of my family-related functions and roles while ensuring
that my work does not get affected adversely because of my personal commitments. cc
Reflection on critical analysis
To understand an issue or event in greater detail, critical analysis is important. The core
goal of critical thinking is to ensure more personal autonomy, independent thinking, and
reasoned judgement (Enciso et al., 2017). It allows a systematic evaluation of different
arguments to ensure the credibility of resources. Critically analysing the issue of wellness
has helped in broadening my perspectives. It has helped me in understanding the diverse
perspectives and consequences that exist within the community. It has expanded my limited
thoughts relating to the event in wellness. Critically analysing the wellness event also allows
gaining access to more information, thereby ensuring greater knowledge of the event
(Crawford, 2015). For instance, I had a view that work-life balance only affects the mental
health of individuals. However, the critical analysis of the event has enabled me to
understand that it has the potential to impact various other aspects of life. It can impact the
physical well-being of individuals. It can even affect the family life of the professional.
FINAL PROJECT 10
Moreover, it can also have a significant impact on the whole community. The critical
analysis allowed me to understand the importance of the event in wellness to ensure a
positive impact on the community.
The type of bias that I have is confirmation bias. It can be defined as the tendency of an
individual to search for an individual that specifically supports their prior values and beliefs
(Peters, 2020). People with such bias tend to distort or ignore any other information that
contradicts their previous values and beliefs. For instance, I had a perception that the lack of
work-life balance impact only the working professionals and not their family members or the
community as a whole. This bias restricted me from searching for information that showed
work-life imbalance did have an impact on the family members as well as the community at
large. Therefore, having an awareness of one’s bias is important. It can change the
perception and outlook of an individual. It helps in correcting the mistaken views of the
people. It will allow the individuals to be more attentive to the real facts. It also prevents
individuals from becoming unreasonably confident about their ideas and beliefs.
Critically analysing diversity can have a positive influence on my field of study. It will help
me to overcome personal biases as well as negative stereotypes relating to different groups.
It will also enable me to search for reliable information, thereby promoting better problem
solving and effective decision-making. Critically analyzing diversity will allow me to
recognize and respect the perceptions of others in my future profession. It will help me
better understand the views of other individuals around me and work in a collaborative
manner. Studying wellness will lay the foundation for a better understanding of other
important topics involved in my profession. It has helped me to understand that the choices
and decisions made by individuals today will have a significant impact on their short-term as
FINAL PROJECT 11
well as long-term wellness. A holistic understanding of wellness will serve as the basis for
optimum success in the future profession.
The study of wellness topic is considered to be of paramount importance since it
influences the quality of life of every individual. The in-depth comprehension of wellness
can help to understand diverse dimensions of the topic, including physical, psychological,
emotional as well as spiritual dimensions. It can give a holistic insight into how the
integration of different elements help in fuelling the body, engaging the mind and nurturing
the spirit (Stoewen, 2017). By studying wellness, I will be able to focus on good
stewardship and care about myself as well as others while maintaining a balanced
professional and personal life. A broader understanding of the chosen wellness topic that
revolves around the work-life balance of working parents can enable me to effectively strike
a balance between my personal responsibilities and professional obligations.In case the
wellness topic relating to work-life balance among working parents was analyzed using
another general education lens such as the humanities, the analysis would have mainly
focused on how individuals collectively behave in the organizational setting. Rahim has
argued that when individuals work collectively in an organizational setting, the
organizational climate can play a moderating role (Rahim et al., 2019). It can influence the
level of satisfaction that professionals, especially working parents are able to derive in the
professional context. For example, managers or employers need to ensure that flexible work
arrangements are made for working mothers so that their responsibilities towards their
children or family does not get comprised or neglected as a result of their professional duties
and role. The insight on the wellness topic through the humanities lens would have been
much broader in nature since it mainly lays emphasis on human beings at the collective
FINAL PROJECT 12
level. There exists a vital association between work-life balance and the organizational
commitment of employees. The ability to strike a balance between one’s personal and
professional lives can influence the commitment and passion that one demonstrates towards
his or her work. Thus, the choice of the general education lens has played an instrumental
role in shedding light on the work-life balance topic, especially in the context of working
parents. cc cc
The thorough analysis of the wellness domain can play a key role in my life since it can
influence the manner in which I interact and engage with people with diverse points of
view, cultures or perspectives. For example, I will be able to understand the relevance of
social interactions in life and extend a helping hand who is facing challenges in their
professional life. In spite of the fact that my views and perspectives may vary from another
person, wellness is a universal topic, and it is of value for every individual, regardless of the
background to which he belongs. This insight can help me to be more cooperative with
others so that they can get adequate support while trying to balance their personal and
professional responsibilities.
References
Gautam, I., & Jain, S. (2018). A study of work-life balance: challenges and solutions.
International Journal of Research in Engineering, IT and Social Sciences, 198-216.
Gragnano, A., Simbula, S., & Miglioretti, M. (2020). Work–life balance: weighing the
importance of work–family and work–health balance. International journal of
environmental research and public health, 17(3), 907.
FINAL PROJECT 13
Kelly, J. (2021, May 18). World Health Organization Survey shows working long hours led
to the death of 745,000 people. Forbes. Retrieved July 6, 2022, from
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2021/05/18/world-health-organization-survey-
shows-working-long-hours-leads-to-the-death-of-745000-people-a-
year/?sh=263f755c4e4e
Mensah, A., & Adjei, N. K. (2020). Work-life balance and self-reported health among
working adults in Europe: a gender and welfare state regime comparative analysis.
BMC Public Health, 20(1), 1-14.
Oludayo, A. O., & Omonijo, D. O. (2020). Work-life Balance: Relevance of social support.
Academy of Strategic Management Journal, 9(3), 1-10.
Adnan Bataineh, K. (2019). Impact of work-life balance, happiness at work, on employee
performance. International Business Research, 12(2), 99-112.
ArunaShantha, A. (2019). The Impact of Work-Life Balance on Job Satisfaction: With
Special Reference to ABC Private Limited in Sri Lanka.
Council, N. C. (2003). NICE Citizens Council Report on Age [Internet].
Chen, Q., Chen, M., Lo, C. K. M., Chan, K. L., & Ip, P. (2022). Stress in Balancing Work
and Family among Working Parents in Hong Kong. International Journal of
Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(9), 5589.
Crawford, M. (2015). Importance of Critical Thinking. 10.13140/RG.2.1.1004.8482.
FINAL PROJECT 14
Dhas, M. D. B., & Karthikeyan, D. P. (2015). Work-life balance challenges and solutions:
overview. International Journal of Research in Humanities and Social Studies, 12(2).
Enciso, O. L. U., Enciso, D. S. U., & Daza, M. D. P. V. (2017). Critical thinking and its
importance in education: Some reflections. Rastros Rostros, 19(34), 78-88.
Hentschel, T., Heilman, M. E., & Peus, C. V. (2019). The multiple dimensions of gender
stereotypes: A current look at men’s and women’s characterizations of others and
themselves. Frontiers in psychology, 10, 11.
Moriwaki, M., Yuasa, H., Kakehashi, M., Suzuki, H., & Kobayashi, Y. (2022). Impact of
social support for mothers as caregivers of cerebral palsy children in Japan. Journal of
Pediatric Nursing, 63, e64-e71.
Peters, U. (2020). What is the function of confirmation bias?. Erkenntnis, 1-26.
Pahuja, S. (2017). A study on work life balance of working parents in educational sector.
Asian Journal of Management, 8(1), 25-29.
Rahim, N. B., Osman, I., & Arumugam, P. V. (2019). Evaluating work-life balance and
individual well-being with the moderating role of organisational climate. Europan
Journal of Social Sciences, 27(4), 2731-2752.
Rose, J. (2017). “Never enough hours in the day”: Employed mothers’ perceptions of time
pressure. Australian Journal of Social Issues, 52(2), 116-130.
Sheikh, M. A., Ashiq, A., Mehar, M. R., Hasan, A., & Khalid, M. (2018). Impact of work
and home demands on work life balance: Mediating role of work family conflicts.
Pyrex Journal of Business and Finance Management Research, 4(5), 48-57.
FINAL PROJECT 15
Stoewen, D. L. (2017). Dimensions of wellness: Change your habits, change your life. The
Canadian veterinary journal, 58(8), 861.
Sabharwal, M., Kiel, L. D., & Hijal-Moghrabi, I. (2019). Best practices in local government
wellness programs: The benefits of organizational investment and performance
monitoring. Review of Public Personnel Administration, 39(1), 24-45.
