Do Your Employees Have A Life Outside of Work?

For so long, Americans have worked in a culture where work always comes first. We work long hours, take work home with us, and even work on weekends. This culture has led to a lot of work-related stress, burnout, and high turnover rates.

Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has transformed the way we work. With so many people now working remotely, the lines between work and home have become blurred. It’s harder than ever to disconnect from work and take time for ourselves.

All of this has led to employees seeking a better work/life balance. 

In fact, a recent World at Work survey found that 42 percent of respondents would take less pay and/or a lower title to work from home and have a more balanced work schedule. This shift suggests that employees are valuing time more than money.

As an employer, you should consider this when creating or re-evaluating your compensation package. Employees want more flexible work arrangements and schedules that give them a better work/life balance. 

By offering these types of benefits, you can attract and retain top talent, while also improving employee satisfaction and productivity.

So, how exactly can you become an advocate that supports healthy boundaries for your employees? 

In this article, we’ll explore different work life balance practices that you can implement in your organization and set it up for sustainable success.

Time vs. Money

When it comes to work/life balance, employees are starting to value time over money. 

A recent report from the ADP Research Institute has shown that 67 percent of workers feel that having flexibility in their workday is the top way employers can better support employees — compared to a mere 26 percent before the pandemic.

Additionally, 43 percent of employees stated that encouraging time off and offering mental health days would boost their overall satisfaction; while 28 percent felt that increased health benefits and PTO were the next best methods in which companies can provide support moving forward.

These statistics make it quite clear — to keep your employees both productive and satisfied, a healthy work/life balance must become a priority. This will ensure that you retain your top talent and avoid any costly turnover.

At Wizard of Sales®, we can help you create a work environment that is conducive to a healthy work/life balance for your employees. 

Our team of experts can help you develop policies and procedures that will foster a healthy work environment for your employees. Book a call with us today to learn more!

What Does a Good Work/Life Balance Look Like?

A good work/life balance varies from person to person, but there are some common themes. 

Having a healthy work/life balance for your employees looks like…

• They work the number of hours they are scheduled for and do not work excessive overtime.
• Meeting work deadlines and deliverables while still having time for family and friends.
• They have time for breaks, meals, and a good night’s rest.
• They have an appropriate amount of flexibility in their work schedule.
• Their work demands are reasonable, and they are not regularly asked to work beyond their capacity.
• Encouraging them to have strict boundaries outside of work hours.

Work/life balance is integral to reaching and retaining top talent. When your employees have a good work/life balance, they are less likely to experience burnout or other negative health effects from work. This will effectively lower their chances of finding another job elsewhere and boosts team morale and loyalty.

Some Examples of Work/Life Balance Initiatives

There are a variety of work/life balance initiatives that employers can implement to support their employees. Some common examples include:

Promote a Healthy Work Environment

Promoting a healthy work environment is key to having a good work/life balance.

There are a few things that employers can do to create a healthy work environment:

Encourage employees to take breaks during the day – Provide break rooms or lounge areas for employees to relax in, and encourage them to step away from their workstations for a few minutes each hour.

 

Promote healthy eating habits – Offer healthy food options in the workplace, and ensure that there are plenty of opportunities for employees to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Encourage physical activity – Provide a gym or exercise facility on-site, or offer discounts to employees for membership at local gyms.

Provide mental health support – Develop employee assistance programs, conduct breathing exercises remotely, or train managers to spot the signs of stress and burnout in their team members. 

By taking these steps to promote a healthy work environment, employers can help their employees achieve a better work/life balance and improve their overall well-being.

Allow Employees to Explore Their Creativity

Some of the most successful businesses are those that allow their employees to explore their creativity. 

By giving employees the freedom to experiment and come up with new ideas, businesses can tap into a wealth of hidden talent and potential while also engaging them in their work.

There are several ways to encourage employees to be creative, but one of the most effective is to simply give them time to brainstorm and come up with new ideas. 

This can be done by setting aside time each week for employees to work on new projects, or by providing a space that is open and flexible where employees feel comfortable taking risks and trying new things.

Offer Support

Offering employees support shows that you care about their well-being and are doing everything in your power to set them up for success. 

Providing access to training and development opportunities, as well as the tools they need to do their jobs effectively, can go a long way in keeping them happy and engaged.

When employees feel supported, they are more likely to be productive and motivated. They will also be more likely to stick around, which can save your company money in the long run.

Start Team-Building Exercises

You may be thinking that you don’t have time for team-building exercises, but trust us – they can be a great way to promote work/life balance. 

Some easy (and fun) team-building exercises are:

• Office Olympics – This can be something as simple as a paperclip-stacking contest or a ping-pong tournament.
• Potluck Lunch – Ask each team member to bring their favorite dish to share with the group.
• Virtual Office Party – Plan a fun activity that everyone can do from their homes, like virtual Bingo or “Guess the Desk”: a guessing game where everyone sends a photo of their desk and people have to guess who it belongs to.

By taking some time out to bond with your team, you can foster a more positive and productive work environment.

Make Your Workplace a “Family” Environment

Creating a “family” environment at work has proven to have a major positive effect on employees. 

It makes them feel more comfortable and encourages them to work together to achieve common goals. A family environment can also help reduce stress and promote a positive attitude.

When you create a family environment at work, you’re not just creating a place where people feel comfortable. You’re also creating an environment that’s conducive to cooperation and collaboration.

One of the best ways to do this is by constantly reminding and reassuring your team members that their workplace is a safe and supportive space where communication and positive confrontation are encouraged.

Allow Flexible Work Schedule

Now more than ever, employees are seeking a more flexible work schedule. 

This can be implemented by allowing employees to work from home, come in early or leave late, or have a more flexible day all around. 

When employees can design their own schedules, they can often find ways to be more productive. For instance, an employee who prefers to work early in the morning may be able to get more done before the distractions of the day set in. 

When employees have more control over their work/life, they often feel happier and more satisfied with their jobs. This can lead to increased loyalty and motivation, which can benefit the company in the long run.

How Many Hours is a Good Work/Life Balance?

There’s no one answer to the question of how many hours are needed to provide a healthy work/life balance for your employees. Ultimately, it all depends on your employees’ individual circumstances, goals, and lifestyles.

However, a study conducted by time management expert Laura Vanderkam showed that the average employee who feels like they have a good work/life balance works 7.6 hours per day. This is only one hour less than the average employee who feels time-pressured at 8.6 hours a day.

So, if you’re looking to improve your employees’ work/life balance, try setting a goal of working 7.6 hours or less each day. That’s a 38 hours work week. You may find that your employees are more productive and stick around for the long haul.

POSTFACE

Creating a healthy work/life balance for your employees is crucial to the success of your business. 

Happy and healthy employees are more productive, less likely to leave, and can create a positive work environment for others. Luckily, it’s not difficult to make small changes in your workplace that will have a big impact on employee satisfaction. 

At Wizard of Sales®, we can help get you there. 

Our team of experts can help create an environment where employees feel valued and appreciated, fostering a healthy work/life balance. 

Book a call with us today to start your revolution!