Work-Life balance matters for your employees
Why does work-life balance matter for your employees?
Having a positive work-life balance is crucial for employees to lead fulfilling lives that extend beyond their professional responsibilities.
The stats don’t lie.
According to a recent report by Hays, more than half of employees are willing to accept a lower-paid job in exchange for a better work-life balance.
It also found that one-third of workers consider work-life balance to be the most “crucial consideration” when looking for a job.
A report from Aviva in September last year found that two-fifths of employees were attracted to their current role because of work-life balance (five percent higher than those who cited salary). In comparison, pre-pandemic employees valued pay over work-life balance.
Importance of work-life balance
In today’s fast-paced and demanding work culture, employers must recognise the significance of work-life balance and its impact on their employees’ well-being, productivity and overall satisfaction.
Challenges in the UK
Work-life balance remains an ongoing challenge for many individuals in the UK. Research published last year indicates that approximately 30% of the working population in the UK, equivalent to around 6.5 million employees, described themselves as unhappy at work.
Effects of poor work-life balance:
Research conducted by the Mental Health Foundation highlights the profound effects of poor work-life balance on employees’ mental health:
1 in 3 employees feel unhappy about the time they dedicate to work.
Over 40% neglect other aspects of their lives due to work.
Prolonged work hours contribute to feelings of depression, anxiety and irritability.
2/3 of employees experience negative effects on their personal lives, including lack of personal development, strained home life, and physical and mental health issues.
An increase in weekly working hours correlates with higher levels of unhappiness, which spills over into employees’ personal time, causing worry and anxiety.
Burnout is one of the biggest topics in the new world of work according to Josh Bersin
Negative consequences & benefits:
The cumulative effect of long working hours and an imbalanced lifestyle can significantly impact employees’ mental well-being. This in turn affects their behaviour and performance at work, contributing to work-related stress and absenteeism. On the flip side, when employees achieve a better work-life balance, the benefits include improved efficiency, lower absenteeism, reduced stress levels, and increased interest from job applicants.
Strategies for employers:
Offering flexible working options such as compressed hours, job sharing or remote working.
Paid time off policies to ensure employees have sufficient time for rest and personal commitments.
Support employees with caring responsibilities by providing support through employee benefits, guidance and resources.
Establish reasonable time and communication expectations to prevent work encroaching on personal time.
Promote activities to enhance mental and physical well-being, such as gym memberships, cycle to work schemes and meditation classes.
Provide medical services like 24/7 access to healthcare professionals, on-site health assessments, enabling employees to manage their health alongside work commitments.
Employee benefits that provide a range of support options personalised for every employee's needs.
Acknowledging diverse needs:
It’s important to acknowledge that employees have diverse needs and priorities, and a one-size-fits-all approach to work-life balance may not always be suitable. Understanding the unique challenges faced by employees, such as new parents, graduates, or carers, enables organisations to provide customised support.
Importance of managerial training:
To foster a workplace culture that promotes work-life balance, managers must be trained to recognise signs of poor balance and understand its impact on individuals. Leading by example is crucial; when senior management prioritises their own work-life balance, it sets a positive tone for the rest of the organisation.
Work-life balance is a fundamental aspect of employees' well-being and productivity. By investing in strategies that promote work-life balance, organisations can create a happier and more engaged workforce. Improved work-life balance leads to higher job satisfaction, increased productivity, lower stress levels, and better overall mental health. As an employer, it's vital to support your employees' work-life balance and cultivate an environment that values their well-being both inside and outside the workplace.
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companiions exists to provide in-person, on-demand support for your employees empowering your teams to achieve work life balance.
It's essential to also acknowledge that employees have diverse needs and priorities. A one-size-fits-all approach to work-life balance may not be suitable.
Understanding the unique challenges faced by employees, such as new parents, graduates, or carers, enables organisations to provide customised support.
With companiions, employees have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of in-person, on-demand services all tailored to their unique needs:
Elderly care
Childcare
Everyday assistance
Mental health care
companiions empowers employees to harmonise their careers with life's demands, while helping companies tackle absenteeism, retention, sickness, and well-being.
We believe that with the right support, every employee can navigate life's complexities and thrive in their chosen paths.
Interested in companiions for your employees? 🚀 Get in touch with the team!
