Of wellbeing and self-care in academia

The recent Covid-19 pandemic brought into focus the merits and challenges of working from home (WFH) on a level of personal experience. A new discourse surrounding the work-life balance has emerged, replacing many work policies. WFH is a typical solution for those who need to look after dependent children, but for many, we are just seeking a better work-life balance and the comfort of an alternative work environment. The drastic changes brought about by the pandemic are harder on women compared to men. Working away from the traditional office is increasingly a better option in today’s world. The flexibility allowed by the mobilisation of technology disintegrated the traditional work-life boundary for most professionals. Whether WFH is the key or an impediment to academics’ efficiency and work-life balance became a daunting question for both academics and their employers.