We find ourselves in a time of transition between the industrial age and modern society. In 1919 the social partners created the 8-8-8 model: 8 hours of work – 8 hours of spare time – 8 hours of sleep. This model is designed for one family structure, one work method and one biological rhythm. The collective design worked well in the industrial labor market, but 8-8-8 does not match modern society and its many family dynamics, work methods and bio rhythms.
Globalization and technological developments are making it possible for people to experience greater freedom in their choice of working hours and work places, but we have some traditional perceptions about (industrial) work that prevent us from increasing productivity and quality of life. The traditional perceptions about work include:
- Work takes place in the office in a well-defined time and space – preferably 8 hours a day, Monday through Friday.
- Meeting after 9:00 is considered taboo. A productive person meets early.
- Hours = Productivity. The more hours you work, the more productive you are.
Modern society includes many different options for both family and work dynamics. Work can take place any time and any place. The Life Navigation Concept punctures the illusion that work is something that only can take place at the office during regular business hours. The employees are set free from the confining expectations of their colleagues and themselves, and through this liberation they may take the opportunity to design their own schedules and work locations.
Life Navigation gives you four tools to improve your Work-Life Balance: Overview, Focus, Rhythm and Calmness.
1. The Timekeeper
Get an overview of your time. Create a time registration of the week’s 168 hours. On what do you spend your time? Is there anything you would like to change? People who are in control of their time are more relaxed, creative and productive.
2. The Pilot
Formulate 1 to 4 goals. Set direction in life before other people do it for you. People with written goals achieve more.
3. The Conductor
At what times of the day do you have the most energy? Draw your energy level, and get an overview of when you are most productive. This knowledge allows you to plan to do the most complicated tasks during your peak hours.
4. The Space Creator
Choose the right surroundings – the right spaces for the right activities. Take pictures of spaces that inspire you and spaces that calm you. A lot of people can’t work at the workplace because of interruptions. After an interruption it will take you 20 minutes or more to get back to focusing on your task.
5. The Super Navigator
A SUPER NAVIGATOR navigates through everyday life’s inferno of possibilities, demands and information. In order to enable the individual to navigate, the right navigation tools are needed:
OVERVIEW – FOCUS – RHYTHM – CALMNESS