In this episode of The Future with Friends podcast, Simon Waller and Dr Adrian Medhurst explore the forever unresolved concept we call work-life balance.

Simon and Adrian delve into the deep complexities of how we might better integrate our life and our work. They discuss the role technology might play in work-life dynamics - exploring  its potential to support wellbeing by predicting burnout and overload, acting as safeguard, and enabling people to achieve better ‘balance’.

They also question what might happen if there is an over-reliance on technology and the risks of nefarious manipulation.

The conversation also explores the emerging concept of Job Crafting as a more human-centric approach to work-life integration, emphasising the need for collaboration between individuals and organisations to create fulfilling work environments.

CHAPTERS:00:00 – Welcome to The Future with Friends Podcast01:31 – Introducing Our Guest: Dr Adrian Medhurst03:29 – Exploring Work-Life Balance: Beyond the Traditional View11:03 – Future Scenarios: The Evolving Nature of Work-Life Balance14:15 – Behind the Scenes: Creating the Future Scenario17:50 – Key Insights from Adrian on Work-Life Balance21:00 – Technology’s Role in Optimising Work-Life Integration23:20 – Navigating the Risks and Imbalances of Technology26:23 – Wellbeing vs Performance: Finding the Right Balance28:05 – Data vs Intuition33:51 – A Message from Our ‘Future’ Sponsors35:35 – How Apps Are Shaping Personal Growth38:23 – Workplace Wellbeing and Organisational Challenges40:51 – The Future of Work Design and Employee Experience44:21 – Job Crafting: A More Human-Centric Approach50:24 – Technology as the Missing Piece in Employee WellbeingTAKEAWAYS:

• Work-life balance is more about balancing than achieving a static state.• Work-life agility could be a better way to think about this concept.• Technology can both support and hinder our work-life dynamics.• The future may see a shift towards job crafting as a solution.• Wellbeing should be prioritised over performance in workplace settings.• Organisations must consider the systemic issues affecting employee wellbeing.• The importance of human agency in navigating work-life challenges.• A cautionary tale about the over-reliance on technology and blind belief. • The need for collaboration between individuals and organisations for better work-life outcomes.https://simonwaller.live/the-future-with-friends/episode-2/GUEST: Dr Adrian Medhurst: https://www.dradrianmedhurst.com.au/Benny Button: https://bennybutton.com/