Work-life balance or work-life integration

Ratan Tata said, “I don’t believe in work-life balance. I believe in work-life integration. Make your work and life meaningful and fulfilling, and they will complement each other.”

Present circumstances have made life far more competitive, demanding, and stressful, resulting in a spike in lifestyle diseases like diabetes and hypertension. The proverbial work-life balance is no longer relevant.

What is work? Is it an activity that one enjoys? Is it a necessity to survive? Or is it some activity to keep the mind busy and engaged? Indic scriptures and philosophy regard work as a duty to be performed without expectation.

The Bhagwad Gita says, ‘Karmanye Vadhikaraste, Ma phaleshu kadachana’ – you have the right to perform actions, but you are not entitled to their fruits.

Some visionary leaders strive hard for the welfare of not just their flock but also the larger interests of society, making products more affordable even if they translate into smaller margins.

One can create wealth by adopting a work ethic and not abandoning it. A work ethic that respects human values, breeds modesty and humility and transforms each member of the team into a karm yogi, an individual who works with sincerity, dedication and a deep respect for what he does. Because for such karm yogis, their work defines them. Their selfless approach to work and their commitment to their values pave their path to salvation.