What is Work-Life Balance? Does it Exist?

What is Work-Life Balance? Does it Exist?

Have you ever worked so hard that you forgot to take care of yourself?

And your relationships with those around you?

Work-life balance is something many working people dream of. It allows us to manage our lives in a way where we can stay productive at work while still having time to relax—like going on trips with family or friends, or pursuing hobbies.

However, nowadays, many people struggle to maintain a true work-life balance. Increased workloads due to the COVID-19 crisis or worsening economic conditions have forced many to work even harder. This heavy workload doesn't just come with benefits; it can negatively impact physical health, mental well-being, and personal relationships.

Achieving Work-Life Balance is directly linked to the concept of a Well-being Workplace—where employees are healthy and happy at work. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, and Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. Today, SDGs are being applied in organizational development to promote sustainability, particularly in human resource management (Sustainable HR).

Dr. Tassawan Preedavipat (Coach Meng), Managing Director of Entrepreneurship Plus, introduced the “Doing to Done” program to Thailand. She describes it as a powerful tool for achieving success and increasing work productivity quickly and effectively. The program focuses on achieving small goals (small wins), leading to greater happiness in both work and personal life while strengthening relationships with others.

We can regain control of our (lack of) work-life balance by using tools from the “Doing to Done” program to help organize our lives and create a better sense of balance. Here’s how:

1. Recognize Your Roles to Maintain Relationships

Sometimes, we neglect our relationships with family, partners, or friends because we forget the roles we play in their lives. In truth, everyone holds many different roles, and it’s easy to overlook them.

The Role Clarity Map from Doing to Done helps individuals identify and understand their roles and the objectives of each one. This clarity enables us to maintain and fulfill our roles—whether it’s being a caring son, a loving husband, or a loyal friend. When we actively engage in these roles—by spending time with family, supporting our spouses, or catching up with friends—we create a work-life balance that protects us from work-related stress and nurtures our relationships.

2. Turn Overwhelm into Checklists

Many people face the challenge of having too much on their plates and not knowing where to start. This leads to overthinking, anxiety, and procrastination, causing delays and underperformance.

The Brain Sweep tool in the Doing to Done system helps fix this by organizing thoughts and tasks. By spending just 5 minutes writing down everything on your mind—deadlines, meetings, personal tasks—you can clear mental clutter. Afterward, organize these items into a checklist using any device or method you prefer. This creates structure, improves focus, and helps you work toward your goals more effectively.

Conclusion

A lack of work-life balance can harm your physical health due to overwork, mental health from stress and anxiety, and relationships due to neglect. That’s why it’s essential to maintain balance in life. The Doing to Done program addresses the needs of people struggling with work-life imbalance and supports the creation of a Well-being Workplace. When adopted at the organizational level, it can help companies achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and promote long-term success and employee well-being.