6 Ways Employers Can Encourage Healthy Work-Life Balance

Having and maintaining a healthy work-life balance seems like a dream sometimes. But is it really possible? These days, schedules have become busier and more hectic than ever, which often causes our personal lives to suffer.

That’s why today, most employees are looking for more control over their lives, and even a bigger say in the structure of their jobs. Of course, if the employers manage to keep their workers satisfied, they’ll have a better relationship with their staff and increase company’s productivity.

Why Work/Life Balance Is So Important

As we mentioned above (and as one would naturally assume), satisfied workers are far more productive than unsatisfied ones. Furthermore, companies that have a good reputation (concerning work-life balance) often attract only top employees for new job openings.

Of course, these companies also have good employee retention rates that results in less employee training and more loyalty. And if you’re still not fully convinced, a study from QUT Business School has actually shown that workers who have a positive work-life balance do a better job at the office.

How Can Employees Encourage a Healthy Balance?

Now, luckily for employers all across the globe, there are certain tested ways they can promote a healthy work-life in the office and ensure that their workforce is completely satisfied, without compromising efficiency or productivity.

Promoting Breaks during the Working Hours

This will allow the employees to keep their stress in check. Therefore, employers should take action to prompt the workers to take more rest and lunch breaks during the day.  Some companies even hire meal delivery services to provide their workers with a number of different meal choices during the lunch break.

Working on the Workplace Culture

Most companies don’t have a perfect workplace culture. So, it’s up the management to take a deep look at their company’s culture and re-asses everything. For example, the culture might promote overwork and doesn’t set reasonable expectations for the workers, which definitely can affect their home life as well as their efficiency at work.

Focusing on Outcomes and Not Hours

Employers have to face the fact that productivity doesn’t actually comer eight-hour segments. In fact, top employees get their work done more efficiently, which means that they don’t need to sit behind their desk full eight hours every day of the week.

Providing Childcare Benefits

Childcare benefits come in many forms – whether it’s a discount at the local childcare center or an on-site childcare area. But the best thing about them is that they usually don’t cost a lot. In any case, if employees have different options that remove the stress of parenting, they’ll surely achieve the work-life balance they are looking for.

Expanding the Number of Vacation Days

While this might be too much for some companies, employers can also give extra days to celebrate certain milestones, or as a bonus for completion of a project in time. Additionally, employers should also encourage their staff to use up all of their free days, rather than let them go to waste.

Allowing Telecommuting

Basically, modern employers are expected to allow their employees to work from home – at least a couple of times a week. According to Gallup research, around 37% of people today work a few days from home every month.

Final Thoughts

What do you think about our choices? Do you think we’ve missed out on a couple crucial points? If you feel like you have anything to add, feel free to leave a comment in the comment section below and share your thoughts with the rest of us!

Author: Theresa Brawner is a 28-year-old fitness instructor from Boston, MA, who regularly writes articles for www.diet.st. When she isn’t helping new moms get back in shape, you can find her in the kitchen, working on new recipes.