The Importance of and How to Promote Employee Work-Life Balance | MyAnova

Imagine, you're sitting at your desk, buried under a mountain of tasks, emails pinging away,  and there’s no way you’ll be leaving on time today. Sounds familiar? Well, you're not alone. In today's fast-paced work culture, achieving a healthy work-life balance often feels a little unachievable.

What’s the current state of employee work-life balance?

CIPD’s Good Work Index 2023 revealed that 54% of workers feel they have a good balance between their work and personal life commitments, which leaves 46% possible at risk of looking for a job that does give them better work life balance. But is this truly what talent is looking for?  

Well, a recent Forbes study revealed that over half (54%) of employees would accept a job with lower pay and a better work-life balance. While Gen Zs and millennials feel slightly more satisfied with their work-life balance than in previous years according to Deloitte’s research (both Gen Zs’ and millennials’ satisfaction increased by 13% since 2019), there is still a way to go. Gen Zs and millennials are asking for better career advancement opportunities for part-time employees, more part-time jobs overall, and the option for more flexible options for full-time employees (e.g. condensed four-day work weeks). 

The research also revealed that the majority of respondents feel flexible work options would be the key to prevent or alleviate burnout, yet only 30% perceive their employer offers this.  

But why is it so important anyway?

Let's break it down. Work-life balance isn't just about turning up and leaving at the right time. It's about finding a balance between your professional responsibilities and your personal life. When this synchronisation is achieved, we feel able to manage stress and burnout by fulfilling areas outside of work such as family, hobbies, health and relationships. 

Next, let's talk productivity. Long hours don’t always equate to work getting done. In fact, studies have shown that overworked employees are more likely to experience burnout, leading to decreased productivity and morale. On the flip side, when employees feel supported in maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life, they're happier, more engaged, and ultimately, more productive. 

In 2015, Gap ran an experiment with employee flexi-time. They made scheduling changes and started offering electronic shift-swapping. Managers were asked to schedule consistent start and finish times, accommodate part-timers' preferences for more hours, and increase peak-hour staffing. Nine months later, workers reported improved work/life balance and increased morale/productivity, leading to a 7% sales increase. That’s pretty impressive. 

But it's not just about the numbers. Work-life balance directly impacts employee wellbeing. Think about it: when was the last time you felt truly rejuvenated after pulling an all-nighter? Stress from an unbalanced lifestyle can create havoc on physical and mental health, leading to a host of issues like anxiety, depression, and even cardiovascular problems.

Gallup’s burnout research found that employees who frequently experience work burnout are 63% more likely to take a sick day and 23% more likely to visit the emergency room. By prioritising work-life balance, organisations can create a culture that promotes employee wellbeing, resulting in happier, healthier, and more resilient teams. 

So what can we do to promote an improved work-life balance?

• Lead by Example: It all starts at the top. Leaders who prioritise work-life balance set the tone for their teams. Encourage managers to model healthy behaviours by taking breaks, utilising their annual leave, and respecting boundaries.

• Flexible Work Arrangements: Embrace flexibility. Whether it's remote work options, flexible hours, or compressed workweeks, providing employees with the autonomy to manage their schedules can go a long way in promoting work-life balance. If there’s a tight deadline and the team needs to stay late on Thursday, encourage them to leave early on Friday! 

• Establish Boundaries: Encourage open communication about workload and expectations. Set clear boundaries around email etiquette, after-hours availability, and annual leave policies to prevent burnout and promote a healthy work-life balance.

• Promote Self-Care: Incorporate wellness initiatives into the workplace, such as wellbeing workshops or employee assistance programs. Encourage employees to prioritise self-care and make time for activities that recharge their batteries.

• Recognise and Reward: Acknowledge and celebrate employees who prioritise work-life balance. Whether it's through shoutouts in team meetings, rewards programs, or extra time off, show appreciation for those who embody a healthy balance between work and life e.g. an employee who’s just ran a marathon after spending their free time training, or an employee who’s completed a personal development course.

In a world where the hustle culture is often glorified, achieving that balance between work and life can feel like chasing a distant dream. Yet, it's a vital basis of modern work, stimulating not only productivity but also employee wellbeing and satisfaction. Champion a culture where work-life harmony isn't just a buzzword but a lived reality, one where individuals thrive both at work and beyond. 

Ready for genuine employee feedback?

Truly gain an understanding and enhance your team's work-life balance and engagement with MyAnova's workplace wellbeing survey platform. MyAnova offers unparalleled insights into employee satisfaction and areas for improvement, empowering you to promote a healthier, more balanced work environment. Take the first step towards better employee wellbeing today and explore MyAnova's innovative solutions here.