There was a time when most of us worked without questioning the conditions we were living in. We drove through hours of traffic so we could be on time, we accepted having to “pay our dues” each time we took on a new challenge, we settled for playing sports during our free time, and—if time allowed—we got to watch video recordings of our children’s school plays. An infinite amount of important moments were postponed in order to prioritize work, as we understood it should be: living like zombies, moving from one obligation to the next.
The first shift in priorities occurred a decade ago with millennials who challenged previous generations through the search for wellbeing, balance, and purpose. At that time, the “zombie environment” viewed their behavior as a lack of commitment, immaturity, selfishness, and even impatience.
Suddenly, the pandemic—an interruption in our lives—challenged life on every level, exposed our deepest vulnerabilities, put us face to face with our miseries, and gave every generation a reality check of consciousness. For those of us who consider this phenomenon an opportunity in which millions of people started to question the meaning of the life they were living until then, this is known as the Great Awakening.
We were given the chance to reflect on our true priorities in life, and were given the possibility of professional growth from jobs that align with our personal purpose and are balanced with our need for family, friends, love, and enjoyment. Rest and leisure are no longer rewards for burn out. Today, we see them as the necessary aspects of a healthy life, improved productivity, innovation, better decision-making, and establishing more meaningful relationships with others.
One of the biggest challenges organizations are faced with today is creating the conditions and consolidating a work culture that offers the possibility of a balanced environment. What are companies, if not teams of people who work together? Our greatest challenge is to integrate the people who have “awakened,” have clearly established their priorities, and pursue their goals. Of course it’s frustrating to talk about balance when we’re faced with agendas that take control of our day. Excessive workloads and our inability to set priorities seem to be the greatest obstacles in our fight against returning to the zombie era.
A large part of the challenge lies in setting boundaries, having honest conversations in which we’re able to connect with our needs and feelings, and empathizing with others. Clearly, no one wants to live like a zombie.
For the first time, most organizations are offering an opportunity in which they prioritize balanced work environments.
And we have what it takes to make it happen: we need courageous people in businesses who are willing to take the risk of putting themselves and their peers first, without the need to resign. We need leaders and teams that promote and drive the conditions for us to develop the best version of ourselves in a healthy, sustainable way so that we can eliminate the zombie era once and for all.
By Paula De Caro, associate and director at OLIVIA
