What effect does the article 'a' have on this fragment?

Question

What do you think is the difference between:

Achieve better work/life balance

and

Achieve a better work/life balance

The discussion may be academic, but I know what my preference is, and I need to be able to defend it.

Answer 1

I'd posit that the second is more readable, since it gives the reader the early hint: "Achieve a better... {something}" The reader already knows it will be a singular thing that is better.

Meanwhile, the first example requires the reader to read the entire phrase, then calculate/ponder until the meaning becomes clear: "Achieve better work.." --not yet clear-- "..better work/life.." --still calculating the meaning-- .."balance." --now recalculate the whole phrase-- and then the meaning appears.

Obviously not a tremendous difference, but a difference nonetheless.

Answer 2

Both are readily understandable but my preference is for the inclusion of 'a.' You are saying "achieve a better balance between work and life" (presumably work as a proportion of life!)