The Necessity of Work-Life Balance in Bangladesh
Rashadul Islam Samrat
The term "work-life balance" first emerged in the United Kingdom during the late 1970s, later gaining traction in the United States in the 1980s largely spurred by the Women’s Liberation Movement. This movement emphasized the need for individuals, especially women, to balance their professional careers with family responsibilities. Since then, the notion has evolved into a foundational principle within human resource management, gaining global acceptance.
Understanding Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance refers to the ideal equilibrium that individuals strive to achieve between their professional and personal lives. It’s not about splitting time equally; it’s about creating a flexible schedule that allows individuals to find satisfaction at work while still dedicating time to family, self-care, and personal development. Cultivating this balance is essential for mental well-being, productivity, and job satisfaction. In contrast, an imbalance can lead to burnout, strained relationships, and various health issues.
The Urgency of Balance in Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, work-life balance transcends the realm of luxury; it has become critical due to the nation’s unique social, cultural, and economic landscape. Long working hours are prevalent across various sectors, including garments, banking, media, IT, and freelancing, where it’s common to encounter an outdated belief that employee loyalty is measured by time spent in the office, often disregarding reasonable overtime compensation.
This entrenched work culture drains both physical and mental vigor, undermining long-term productivity. While employees might produce immediate results under pressure, the continuous neglect of rest leads to a decline in creativity and innovation, qualities crucial for sustainable growth in today’s competitive market.
The Human Cost of Imbalance
The consequences of work-life imbalance are evident in the alarming rates of stress and anxiety plaguing Bangladesh, which ranks among the highest in South Asia. Stigmas surrounding mental health inhibit open discussions about well-being, causing countless individuals to suffer in silence. The inability to juggle professional demands with personal life keeps many trapped in a vicious cycle of insomnia, cardiovascular diseases, depression, and escalating family tensions.
Women bear a disproportionate burden in this context. Beyond professional commitments, they are often expected to manage household chores and childcare, exacerbated by a lack of flexible work options. Insufficient childcare facilities and inadequate leave policies force many women to step away from their jobs, perpetuating the gender disparity in the workforce. Urban infrastructure woes, particularly in Dhaka and Chattogram, contribute to the dilemma; daunting traffic often robs employees of three to five hours of their day, encumbering any potential for family interaction or leisure.
Global Context and Data Insights
Statistics accentuate the urgency for change. An International Labour Organization (ILO) study reveals that Bangladesh’s average weekly hours stand at 48.8, markedly higher than the global average of 42.9. Research by the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) highlights that over half of private-sector employees in Dhaka clock more than 48 hours each week, with nearly 30% exceeding 60 hours. Heavy workloads are reported by over 70% of respondents, and six out of every ten employees lament limited autonomy in their roles.
Despite the ILO’s introduction of an eight-hour workday in 1919, the percentage of individuals logging excessive hours has surged since 2000. WHO/ILO estimates indicate that around 488 million individuals globally work long hours, contributing to significant health crises. Remarkably, working beyond 55 hours weekly has been linked to approximately 745,000 deaths from heart disease and strokes in 2016 alone.
Economic Implications for Bangladesh
Economic repercussions are profound for Bangladesh, especially if the nation seeks to transcend its reliance on the garment industry and cultivate a competitive knowledge-based economy. Nurturing a healthy, motivated workforce is paramount; today’s competitive landscape necessitates more than just reasonable wages—it demands a healthy organizational culture. Failing to provide work-life balance could lead to an exodus of talented young professionals, intensifying the brain drain.
The younger workforce is already signaling a shift in priorities. The COVID-19 pandemic showcased the viability of remote and hybrid work models, a trend embraced by Generation Z professionals who now prioritize flexibility, wellness, and purpose alongside compensation. Companies resisting this transformation risk facing challenges in attracting and retaining top talent in the future.
The Urgent Call to Action
In Bangladesh, achieving work-life balance is not merely a corporate luxury; it has morphed into a strategic necessity affecting productivity, mental health, and gender equality. Without addressing this imbalance, the nation faces a cycle of depleted workers, frayed family connections, and squandered human potential. Embracing and prioritizing work-life balance can pave the way for a healthier workforce, diminish inequality, and unlock pathways to sustainable economic growth.
Rashadul Islam Samrat
Department of Marketing, University of Barishal
