It’s the end of a long workday, and instead of feeling accomplished, you’re left with an overwhelming sense of exhaustion. You try to unwind, but your mind is still racing with thoughts of unfinished tasks, looming deadlines, and the never-ending to-do list waiting for you tomorrow. Sound familiar?
In today’s fast-paced world, many of us constantly juggle work, family, health, and social lives. Despite our best efforts to create a perfect 50-50 split between work and life, we often feel overwhelmed and stretched thin.
But what if we shifted the way we approach this? Instead of aiming for an ideal that can feel impossible, imagine creating a life that feels whole, joyful, and deeply fulfilling. This is where the PERMA Model, developed by renowned psychologist Martin Seligman, offers a new perspective. Rather than chasing the impossible dream of a 50-50 split between work and life, the PERMA model invites us to look at life through a different lens—one that’s focused on wellbeing, fulfilment, and harmony.
So, what exactly is the PERMA model of wellbeing, and how can it help you achieve the harmony you’ve been seeking? Continue reading to find out!
What’s the difference between work-life balance and work-life harmony?
Before we dive into how to apply the PERMA model in the workplace, let’s learn the difference between work-life balance and work-life harmony. Although the concept is fairly similar, there are key components that differentiate both of them:
Work-life balance
For many of us, work-life balance has long been the ideal—a way to divide our time and energy between work and personal life to feel centred and productive. This concept suggests that by managing both areas of our lives equally, we can prevent burnout and maintain overall wellbeing. Some common characteristics of work-life balance include:
- Setting clear boundaries: Work-life balance encourages drawing firm lines between work and personal time. This might mean setting specific hours for work and being intentional about switching off to focus on family, hobbies, or rest.
- Having structured schedules: The idea of balance often involves creating a schedule where work and personal life receive equal attention. For example, you may dedicate 9-5 to your job and leave evenings and weekends for personal pursuits.
- Focusing on time management: Achieving work-life balance often emphasises efficient time management, ensuring that neither work nor personal life overwhelms the other. It’s about planning your day or week to give adequate time to both areas without letting one dominate.
However, achieving a perfect work-life balance can sometimes feel rigid or unrealistic. This is because:
- Life is unpredictable: Whether it’s an urgent project at work or a family emergency, there are times when the lines between work and personal life blur, making it difficult to maintain a strict division.
- Pressure to achieve perfection: Striving for a perfect 50-50 split between work and life can lead to feelings of stress or guilt when things don’t go as planned. This pressure can leave us feeling like we’re constantly falling short.
- Imbalance is natural: Some phases of life demand more from one side—whether it’s a big career move or a major personal event. Constantly expecting balance can feel restrictive, especially when one area needs more attention.
Work-life harmony
This is where work-life harmony comes into play as a more flexible, sustainable approach. Rather than aiming for an equal division between work and life, work-life harmony is about ensuring that the different parts of your life complement each other. It’s about creating a sense of flow, where work and personal life are not in constant opposition but work together to support your overall wellbeing. Some characteristics of work-life harmony include:
- Being flexible to adapt: Rather than striving for equal time in both areas, work-life harmony allows for a natural ebb and flow. On some days, work may demand more attention, while on others, personal commitments may take priority. The key is adapting to these shifts without feeling guilty or stressed.
- Integrating both roles: In work-life harmony, the lines between work and life are not rigid. Instead, there’s an understanding that personal and professional roles often blend. For example, finding purpose in your work can enrich your personal life, and taking care of your wellbeing outside of work can improve your productivity and satisfaction.
- Focusing on overall wellbeing: Work-life harmony is about nurturing wellbeing and fulfilment across both work and personal life. It’s not about a perfect split but rather creating a life where both areas contribute positively to your happiness and purpose.
While work-life balance is still important, work-life harmony offers a more adaptable way to manage the demands of modern life. Work-life harmony recognises that your life isn’t divided into rigid boxes of “work” and “life.” Instead, it encourages you to find ways to integrate the two, making room for both without feeling like one has to suffer at the expense of the other. This means you’ll feel more balanced overall, even if every day looks a little different!
Now that you understand the difference between work-life balance and work-life harmony, let’s dive into the PERMA Model.
What is the PERMA model of wellbeing?
The PERMA Model, developed by Martin Seligman, is a comprehensive framework for achieving wellbeing and flourishing. PERMA stands for Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment—five pillars that, when nurtured, contribute to a fulfilling and meaningful life. The PERMA model emphasises the importance of experiencing joy, being fully absorbed in tasks, building solid relationships, finding purpose, and achieving goals. Originally designed to enhance psychological wellbeing, Seligman’s PERMA model has been effectively applied in the workplace to foster greater satisfaction and performance.
Why is the PERMA Model important for work-life harmony?
When we think about work-life harmony, it’s easy to focus solely on the external factors: managing schedules, meeting deadlines, and making time for personal commitments. However, the real foundation of harmony doesn’t come from juggling tasks—it comes from within. Your sense of wellbeing and happiness play a crucial role in shaping how you navigate the demands of both work and life.
This is where the PERMA model of wellbeing comes in, as it helps individuals achieve work-life harmony by encouraging a holistic view of wellbeing. Instead of focusing solely on productivity or external success, Seligman’s PERMA model invites us to prioritise emotional, psychological, and relational health. By incorporating the PERMA model into the workplace, we create environments where personal fulfilment is just as important as career achievement. This balance helps reduce stress, prevent burnout, and ensure that both work and life contribute to our overall sense of wellbeing.
Let’s explore how each part of the PERMA model can help you achieve work-life harmony.
How do we achieve work-life harmony with the PERMA Model?
Positive emotion
The first part of the PERMA model, positive emotion, is about finding joy, contentment, and other good feelings in your daily life. When you focus on what makes you happy, you’re better able to handle stress and keep a positive outlook.
To bring more positivity into your daily life:
- At work: Try to find small things that make you happy, such as finishing a task, sharing a laugh with a colleague, or enjoying your morning coffee.
- At home: Spend time doing things that bring you joy, whether it’s a hobby, exercising, or simply relaxing with loved ones.
Tip: Start your day by thinking of three things you’re grateful for. You may also start a gratitude journal. This can set a positive tone for your day, making it easier to navigate challenges and maintain a steady rhythm between work and personal life.
Engagement
Engagement in this context means being fully immersed in what you’re doing, whether at work or at home. When you’re deeply engaged, you enter a state of "flow," where time seems to fly, and you feel energised by your tasks.
To build engagement:
- At work: Focus on projects that match your strengths and interests. When you’re deeply engaged in your work, you’re not only more productive but also more satisfied.
- At home: Whether it’s reading, crafting, or playing a sport, dedicate time to activities you love where you can completely immerse yourself.
Tip: Identify what activities draw you in the most and make them a regular part of your work and personal life. This way, you’ll create a rhythm that includes moments of deep focus and enjoyment.
Relationships
Sometimes, a little encouragement is all you need. Whether it’s a trusted colleague, a friend, or a family member, nurturing healthy relationships provides balance, reminding you that you’re not facing challenges alone and helping you navigate life’s demands with more harmony.
To strengthen your connections:
- At work: Build good relationships with your colleagues by collaborating, offering help, and sharing successes and challenges.
- At home: Spend quality time with family and friends, and make an effort to stay connected, even if it’s just a quick chat.
Tip: Who can support you in your journey to better work-life harmony, and how can they help? Set aside time each week to connect with someone important in your life. Whether at work or home, take time to check in with people, listen actively, and demonstrate empathy. Building strong relationships provides a sense of belonging, allowing you to feel more supported.
Meaning
Meaning is about doing things that matter to you—whether in your career or personal life. When you find meaning, you feel more motivated and fulfilled.
To cultivate meaning:
- At work: Look for ways your job aligns with your values or contributes to a bigger goal. Knowing your work matters can make it more meaningful.
- At home: Engage in activities that give you a sense of purpose, such as volunteering, mentoring, or pursuing a passion project.
Tip: Regularly reflect on your core values. What drives you? Whether it’s helping others, creating something new, or contributing to a larger cause, make sure both your work and personal life reflect your values.
Accomplishment
Accomplishment is about setting and reaching goals that matter to you. Feeling a sense of accomplishment boosts confidence and satisfaction, making it easier to manage the demands of work and life.
To foster accomplishment:
- At work: Set clear goals and celebrate your progress, whether it’s completing a project or learning a new skill.
- At home: Set personal goals, such as starting a new hobby or improving your fitness, and take time to appreciate your successes.
Tip: Break larger goals into smaller steps and celebrate each milestone. This will help you stay motivated and keep your work-life harmony on track.
Conclusion
Finding a fulfilling life isn’t about perfectly splitting your time between work and personal commitments. It’s about creating a sense of harmony where both aspects of your life work together and support each other. By embracing the PERMA model in the workplace, you can create a life that’s not just balanced but truly fulfilling. Remember, it’s not about perfection but about finding harmony that allows you to thrive in both work and life!
As you reflect on how to bring more balance and fulfilment into your life, consider taking the FREE Naluri Emotional Wellbeing Assessment. This quick and insightful assessment can help you better understand your current mental state and identify areas where you might need support. It’s a small step that could make a big difference in achieving the work-life harmony you’ve been searching for.