The Covid period prompted a greater appreciation of the “whole self” at work, with managers and employers encouraged to take an interest in employees’ home lives as well as their professional lives.
This notion that our personal lives affect our working lives is underlined by recent research from Purdue, which looked at how our hobbies impact our careers. The study suggests that it’s quite possible to achieve a sufficient work/life balance that we have both active hobbies and a thriving career.
“We found that employees who intentionally integrate professional growth into their free time—like listening to leadership podcasts, watching TED Talks or reading engaging business books—report feeling more confident, motivated and capable at work,” the researchers explain. “This innovative approach allows individuals to build skills and thrive professionally without sacrificing the enjoyment of leisure activities.”
Having our cake and eating it
The research does highlight the various challenges involved in achieving this balance, however, not least for those who wish to have a firmer boundary between their personal and professional lives.
“Employees who prefer a clear separation between work and personal life might struggle with this approach, highlighting the importance of tailoring the practice to individual preferences,” the researchers explain.
For those happier to have a more fluid boundary, however, the study highlights how our hobbies can not only be fulfilling in and of themselves, but also help us in our careers as well.
“This isn’t about making your free time feel like work,” the researchers explain. “It’s about leveraging activities you already love in a way that fuels your professional growth. Done right, it’s a game-changer for employees and employers alike.”
This may seem somewhat obvious, but the researchers nonetheless believe that their findings have significant implications. This is especially as it’s increasingly the case that people want to pursue a more holistic and purposeful life rather than focusing solely on work at the expense of other aspects of their lives. The study reminds us that they don’t need to be conflicting goals and they can be mutually beneficial.
