Some people view work-life balance as an important equilibrium to maintain. Yet, some of the world’s most successful businesspeople aren’t big fans of the term.

Jeff Bezos, the Chairman of Amazon, for example, thinks the relationship between work and life is a “circle” and prefers it to ‘work-life balance.’ He believes if you feel happy at home then it energizes you and makes you more productive at work, and vice versa.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella thinks people should strive for work-life “harmony.” He used to think that he needed to balance relaxing and working. But he’s since shifted his approach, aligning his “deep interests” with his work.

According to TIAA CEO, Thasunda Brown Duckett, “work-life balance is a lie.” She used to struggle with guilt and balancing her demanding job with being a mother. She views her life as a “portfolio,” performing different roles like mother, wife, and businessperson. Though she may not always physically be with her children, she says she strives to be fully present during the time she is able to spend with them.

 Arianna Huffington, founder of HuffPost prefers “work-life integration.”  She says we shouldn’t view productivity and relaxation as two opposing forces — “when one area of your life improves, the other does as well.”   Huffington believes that your personal life should always come first. “While work is obviously important and can give us purpose and meaning in our lives, it shouldn’t take the place of life. Work is a part of a thriving life, but life should come first.”

The debate around work-life balance points out the different approaches to productivity and personal fulfillment. Understanding how different people view the relationship between work and life can help us shape a strategy that aligns our personal values and professional goals. And that will help you feel better.

By Peter Yurek, BSc.Phm