Studies and surveys show that a healthy work-life balance has become increasingly important for employees. With the average person spending more than 36 hours at work per week, many workers are looking to make the most of their free time. As an employer, it has never been more beneficial to consider health and well-being. Engaged, healthy, happy employees are more likely to be productive and efficient and less likely to take time off. Prioritizing well-being can also boost employee retention rates, which enhances brand image and lowers outgoings. In this guide, we’ll share some top tips for employers looking to help their employees find a better work-life balance.
Realistic expectations
Research shows that around 80% of US workers experience work-related stress. There are many possible causes of stress, but often, it stems from feeling like there is too much to do. Employees may feel under pressure or overwhelmed if their manager has unrealistic expectations. They may also feel that they are not appreciated. As the boss, it is essential to have realistic expectations of your team. There is a difference between working hard and working too hard. If your team regularly undertakes unpaid overtime, or people are doing jobs that don’t match their skill set or job description due to staff shortages, for example, this can increase the risk of stress. Delegate fairly, check in with your team to see how everyone is coping and monitor staff levels. Reward hard work and overtime and make sure every individual feels valued.
Flexibility
Flexible working has become increasingly commonplace in the last five years. Over 75% of millennials now expect flexibility within their job role. Flexible working is beneficial for multiple reasons, including catering to employee preferences and providing better support for workers who have children. Being flexible can also boost productivity and team morale.
There are several ways to increase flexibility within the workplace. One notable shift is the relocation of teams from offices and other work facilities and bases to home offices. Millions of people worked from home during the Covid-19 pandemic and many have opted to either work remotely or switch to a hybrid model. Another option for employers to consider is a workcation, which involves combining work-related activities with taking a vacation. The availability of WiFi and innovative online tools and software mean that many employees can now work from anywhere. Traveling while working is a brilliant way to rest, recharge the batteries and see the world while managing your workload. Offering different types of contracts, including full-time and part-time, can also be beneficial.
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Policies and guidelines
Offering flexibility is one way of achieving a healthier work-life balance, but employers can also help their teams by implementing policies and guidelines. Examples, such as specifying core working hours and adding deadlines for work emails and calls, help to avoid gray areas. If guidelines dictate that employees don’t send emails after 5 o’clock on a Friday, for example, everyone can enjoy their weekend without worrying about work.
Finding a healthy work-life balance has become increasingly important for employees and job-seekers. As an employer, there are several benefits to helping your employees enjoy work and downtime, including increased productivity and improved morale and well-being. To help your team flourish and your business thrive, ensure that your expectations are realistic, champion flexibility and implement new guidelines and policies.
