Bupa CEO: Craving Work-Life Balance May Indicate Job Dissatisfaction
Iñaki Ereño, the chief executive of Bupa, a Fortune 500 Europe health care company, suggests that an obsession with work-life balance might signal a fundamental problem with one's job rather than simply long hours. Ereño argues that if individuals genuinely enjoy their work, the perceived need for a strict separation between professional and personal life diminishes. He states that he enjoys integrating business thinking into his weekends and personal time, attributing this to his passion for his role. Ereño advises those who constantly seek balance to reconsider their career choices, suggesting they find a job they love.
Iñaki Ereño, CEO of Bupa, one of the world’s largest health care companies, has shared his perspective on work-life balance, stating that an intense focus on it may indicate dissatisfaction with one's employment rather than an issue with the number of hours worked. Ereño believes that a genuine enjoyment of one's job negates the need for a clear distinction between professional and personal life. He expressed this view in an exclusive interview.
Ereño, who leads the £16.9-billion-a-year company with over 100,000 employees, disclosed that he thinks about business matters even during his personal time, including weekends and while exercising. He stated that he finds enjoyment in tasks like checking emails and reading papers on weekends, and does not perceive these activities as pressure. His advice for those who live for the weekend is to reflect on their passions and avoid jobs they dislike, which may necessitate seeking work-life balance.
Ereño's daily routine begins around 6:30 a.m. with coffee and six newspapers before commuting to Bupa's London office. His meetings typically run from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., followed by a period of reflection and email responses. He concludes his workday with a 50-minute walk home, a habit he established for personal well-being. He also maintains a rigorous exercise regimen, visiting the gym six times a week, often discussing work dilemmas with his son. Ereño maintains that this structured routine is essential for managing a global company serving over 60 million customers, enabling him to lead with clarity under pressure.
Other notable figures reportedly share a similar viewpoint. Scale AI billionaire Lucy Guo stated that a need for work-life balance might suggest one is not in the right profession, emphasizing her enjoyment of her work. Grammy-winning artist and AI entrepreneur Will.i.am also echoed the sentiment that building something of personal significance can make work feel less like a chore.
According to Fortune, Ereño's views challenge the post-pandemic emphasis on work-life balance.
