From Policy to Practice: Work-Life Balance in the Modern Workplace
Recent statistics show that 71% of employees consider work-life balance a crucial factor when searching for a new job, often prioritising it over compensation and benefits. Achieving a healthy work-life balance can be challenging when workplace demands are high and has become a critical issue for employees and employers alike.
As the demand for better work-life balance grows, it’s not enough to simply have ‘policies’. Companies must move from policy to practice, implementing strategies that genuinely support their workforce. Onebright explores why a work-life balance is so important and how companies can help employees maintain it.
The Importance of Work-Life Balance
How can we define a work-life balance? In the context of the modern workplace, the expression refers to the equilibrium between professional responsibilities and personal life. It involves managing work commitments alongside personal and family needs without compromising one for the other.
A healthy work-life balance is a significant determinant of employee well-being and productivity. According to a study by Clockify, 67% of workers reported that their work-life balance improved once they began working remotely. This shift has profound implications for employees and employers, as a better balance can lead to:
- Higher job satisfaction
- Reduced stress
- Increased productivity
- Improved mental health
- Better relationships
How can companies encourage a better work-life balance so employees remain healthy and happy?
Flexible Work Arrangements
Flexible work arrangements, such as remote work and flexible hours, are among the most effective ways to enhance work-life balance. Since the pandemic, many companies have embraced the remote working culture, and millions of hours have been saved in commuting time daily. This time can be used for personal activities like sleeping, exercising, and spending time with family, which are vital for a healthy life.
Flexible hours allow employees to work during their most productive times, whether early in the morning or late at night, incorporating restorative breaks when needed.
This adaptability helps employees create a productive work schedule that doesn’t interfere with their personal lives, leading to better time management and a more balanced lifestyle. For instance, parents can adjust their working hours to enable them to do the school runs or other family activities when needed, ensuring they don’t miss precious events.
Implementing Effective Policies
To translate work-life balance policies into practice, companies need to take several actionable steps:
- Promote flexible work options: Encourage remote work and flexible scheduling to help employees manage their personal and professional lives.
- Provide mental health support: Offer online therapy services to support employees’ mental health.
- Create a supportive culture: Create a workplace culture that values work-life balance, encouraging employees to take breaks and disconnect after work hours.
- Monitor and adjust: Regularly review and adjust policies based on employee feedback.
- Promote healthy boundaries and clocking-off times: This creates a balance and helps workers avoid overworking.
As the workforce continues to evolve, so will the approaches to achieving a balanced lifestyle. Companies must adapt their strategies with a significant portion of the workforce working remotely. This includes utilising technology to provide flexible work options and Employee Assistance Programmes to help maintain a balanced and healthy work environment.
Support for employers
Onebright can help employers support their employees in several ways.
Onebright’s comprehensive clinical summary reports provide detailed data analysis on employee wellbeing, offering valuable insights into areas needing additional support.
They work closely with the C-suite, HR, and managers to ensure that teams receive customised programs and training. They use insightful employee mental health data to inform business decisions. With over 20 years of experience partnering with occupational health and HR teams, Onebright takes pride in delivering measurable impacts.
For more insights and support on implementing effective work-life balance strategies, contact Onebright today, by filling in the form below. Our comprehensive online therapy and support services are designed to help your employees thrive personally and professionally.
