Running Head: Final Project j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j 1
7-1 Project: Project Submission
Southern New Hampshire University
IDS 402
August 16,2022
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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-life balance. The
inability to strike a balance between these two dimensions can negatively affect one’s psychological
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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). j j
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
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
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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 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,
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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 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
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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 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
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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 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. j
Benefits and challenges
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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.
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. j
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
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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.
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.
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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 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
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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 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. j j
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
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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.
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-
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Mensah, A., & Adjei, N. K. (2020). Work-life balance and self-reported health among working
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ArunaShantha, A. (2019). The Impact of Work-Life Balance on Job Satisfaction: With Special
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Chen, Q., Chen, M., Lo, C. K. M., Chan, K. L., & Ip, P. (2022). Stress in Balancing Work and Family
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Hentschel, T., Heilman, M. E., & Peus, C. V. (2019). The multiple dimensions of gender
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Rose, J. (2017). “Never enough hours in the day”: Employed mothers’ perceptions of time pressure.
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