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!
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:
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:
However, achieving a perfect work-life balance can sometimes feel rigid or unrealistic. This is because:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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 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:
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.
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:
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 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:
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 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:
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.
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.