Some employers fear that employees looking for work-life balance will disrupt the processes and results of their business, with some business owners even declaring that these people shouldn’t be hired or even tolerated.
How are these employees really affecting businesses? Let’s figure out the importance of work-life balance to employers and see how they can improve their results and work culture through employees who seek it.
Why Some Employers Fear the Idea of Work-Life Balance
Employers who are against employee work-life balance usually have these misconceptions in mind. It could be that they’ve met a few employees that didn’t meet their expectations for their business. Have you ever considered these thoughts? Why?
They think employees who want a healthy work-life already gave up on their growth opportunities.
Employers who are against work-life balance think that employees who pursue it have given up on their growth because they don’t seem to be making the extra effort to train for upskilling or to add to their skill sets.
They believe employees who want work-life balance don’t commit enough to their work.
Some employers think that people who don’t stretch themselves thin aren’t committed to their jobs. Some bosses have this idea that employees should work beyond their working hours and should always be willing to take on tasks that aren’t really part of their job descriptions.
They believe employees who want good work-life balance aren’t committed to company goals.
These employers may believe that employees who don’t give the same amount of effort that they do aren’t contributing much to advancing their brand. They want people to prioritize only the same priorities they are committed to.
They want employees to make themselves reachable even on their days off.
Due to technology easily connecting people, some employers believe that they should be able to contact their team members even during their days off. Employees who don’t reply or pick up their calls may seem uncommitted to their work.
6 Reasons Why Work-Life Balance Is Important in Today’s Workforce
1. Decreases health problems in employees
It was found in a UCL study that overtime can be bad for your heart. Employees who are extending their work hours by three or more hours than their intended work schedule are more at risk of experiencing heart problems by 60 percent.
Everyone has their own limit. Repeatedly going beyond that limit can cause your employees to feel unwell and to lack the energy and focus to work. Before you can even notice these signs in them, rearrange things at work if you think that they are exhausting themselves.
Getting out of work on time can allow them to attend their appointments with their respective doctors after work hours. They can prepare healthier meals for themselves and their loved ones instead of ordering takeout. They have the time and energy to take care of themselves and their work.
2. Enhances employees’ mindfulness
Demotivated, pressured employees are more likely to lose focus and may develop workplace stress and anxiety. This can lead to unproductivity in the workforce. This can be solved by letting employees have a better balance between their work and personal life.
Employees who feel more relaxed about their work tend to be more satisfied and have better focus. They can analyze things better and understand how problems can be solved properly. It gives them more control over their tasks, which lets them deliver the best results.
Encourage your employees to go home on time and take breaks when they feel overwhelmed. This will allow them to let go of any stress they may be carrying so that they can focus their energy on their tasks for the day.
3. Helps develop teamwork
Helping them manage their time and tasks can allow your employees to engage with each other. This can help them work on comfortably communicating with each other.
When it comes to projects, they will better understand each other’s personalities and work methods. This will lead to them coming up with well-thought-out solutions together. If they encounter any sudden issues, they can communicate first before they can even start arguing. Teamwork and good communication will eventually result in a healthy work environment for all your members.
4. Helps hone project management skills in employees
Work-life balance isn’t only about having flexible work schedules. It is also about setting boundaries and time management.
Setting boundaries between life and work can help your employees manage their deadlines better because they don’t have to work beyond their shifts. They know how to manage their priorities in and out of the office without stressing over the lack of time.
Help them balance work by teaching them journaling. Having a planner on hand can help people list down their priorities and decide which should be done first.
You can also provide them with their own small individual whiteboards to write reminders on and put in plain view in their workspaces. This way, they can easily see their tasks for the day, and cross off and replace what’s already been done.
5. Helps improve creativity and innovation
Taking time off to indulge in leisurely activities can help your employees improve their creativity. Through this personal time, they can learn new perspectives and gather fresh ideas from books, creative media, sports, and other activities.
To further enhance their creativity at work, encourage them to explore things that make them happy or relaxed during breaks. You can also give them a space in the office for leisure and relaxation that they can occupy during breaks or when they feel overwhelmed. You can ask your employees to bring old books or board games that they can share with their teammates.
You can also encourage your employees to build a little garden within the office premises. Let them take care of one small plant of their choosing that they can nurture. Gardening is a soothing activity that people can do to unwind. You might even also provide paint for decorating the plant pots and make them as colorful as they want.
6. Helps attract top talent and achieve better retention
An Aviva study has revealed that over the pandemic, 41 percent of employees have been prioritizing work-life balance in their job search compared to the 36 percent who still prefer a better salary.¹
If you’re offering work-life balance as one of the perks at your company, then you may just catch the attention of the best candidates for your vacancies. Consider that other employers are offering the same benefits as you do, but this balance is something you can use as an advantage because it’s what most are looking for.
Make it a part of your work culture and your employees may stay with you longer because you help set boundaries for everyone.
Work-Life Balance is Healthy for Your Business
Work-life balance can help you maintain your steady business processes. Employees who seek this balance have higher job satisfaction and are more likely to stay with you in pursuing your business goals. Contribute to their wellness in work and allow them to pursue their passions in their personal lives and your business will become as successful as it can be.
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Reference:
1 “Work-life Balance Overtakes Salary Post-pandemic.” Aviva, 24 Aug. 2022, www.aviva.com/newsroom/news-releases/2022/08/work-life-balance-overtakes-salary-post-pandemic/. Accessed 20 Jun. 2023.
