Work Life Balance: A Benefit for Employers and Employees
By Nila Thompson
We have all heard the term work life balance, but how are we really incorporating it into our day-to-day operations? Why is it even important? New research has proven that having a balanced business and personal life can create a positive work environment, more productive team, decrease costs due to absenteeism, and a reduction of burnout.
A study conducted by John Pencavel of Stanford University and the Institute for the Study of Labor, found that there was a decrease in productivity and a higher potential for mistakes and injury after workers hit a certain number of hours. Employers that focus on a healthy work-life balance, therefore, can possibly reduce stress, improve emotional states, increase overall productivity, and positively impact the employers’ bottom line.
Here are a few initiatives that can be incorporated into your business:
- Use clear communication when defining expectations and priorities
- Identify workloads and see if there needs to be a redistribution of projects
- Learn about the skills your employees enjoy using and see if you can focus their projects using those skills
- Encourage employees to use their vacation and personal time off
- Lead by example, set work hours for yourself and follow them
Employees are responsible for a positive work environment as well. While leaders may try to provide a positive work environment, it also requires that employees have a mutual respect for one another and the welfare of the organization.
Here are tips employees can follow:
- Communicate with your leadership to ensure your priorities are clear and that the workload is appropriate
- Recognize if you are getting overwhelmed and communicate your needs
- Use a calendar for better time management
- Establish clear work hours for projects and personal time
- Disconnect by setting boundaries regarding calls and emails during off hours and vacation
- Spend time doing things that you enjoy on your personal time
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In a recent Spiceworks article titled How In-House Teams Benefit from Outside Recruiting, Robyn Grable discusses the talent shortages organizations have been experiencing and the relief that new hiring practices can provide your HR teams. Read more
