What is Work-Life Balance Anyway?

What is work-life balance?

One may view work-life balance as the approach to maintaining an equal number of hours between work and leisure. But it’s not!

In a broader perspective, it’s about prioritizing things as per their importance.

Several statistics show that more than 60 percent of U.S. employees feel like their work-life balance is out-of-shape. We tend to fall into the trap of believing that we can be productive all the time, or that an eight-hour day at work equates to eight hours of output.

But in reality, employees certainly don’t produce anything more beyond a certain number of hours — but the impact on their health increases drastically.

Talking about its impact, employees who can put equal importance on their well-being are undoubtedly happier and more satisfied. And this does reflect in their performance and behavior at work which is why it is highly recommended for businesses to rephrase their company culture to promote work-life balance.

What Can be Done for a Healthy Balance Between Work and Life?

As an employer, you have a significant role to play to ensure your employees aren’t trapped in the work-life balance feud.

Here are The 5 Best Ways to Help your Employees Achieve Work-life Balance

1. Volunteering Time Off

Encouraging the employees to volunteer for social causes helps them de-stress and commit socially. Moreover, employees at companies with volunteer days are proud to tell others where they work. They will share with friends and family about their paid time off to volunteer, even posting on social media about their volunteering activity. All of which further enhances the company’s status in the community and raises the profile of the business, particularly amongst prospective employees.

2. Team-Building Exercises

Team building activities are not just for a jolly day out of the office – they are an essential part of the business and a brilliant way to get your staff motivated. Remote teams are the norm today, and communication and collaboration are a must. One of the best ways to build a better work-life balance is to plan activities that bring your team together enjoyably. While getting everyone together might not be possible, you can often design exercises or events that bring some team members together.

3. Unpaid Time off for Personal Reasons

Life is unpredictable. There may come a time when you want to offer your employees unpaid time off to handle personal issues. It can be a family emergency, personal tragedy, or other illnesses. In the United States, the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) grants eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year. They may take this leave for the birth or adoption of a child or care for a family member with a serious health condition. FMLA also requires that they give all employees their job back or an equivalent position at the end of their leave, with the same benefits, pay, etc.

4. Employee Assistance Program

Achieving the right balance between work and personal life is a constant struggle. EAPs can help employers reduce absenteeism, workers' compensation claims, health care costs, accidents, and grievances. In addition, they can address safety and security issues, improve employee productivity and engagement, and reduce costs related to employee turnover. An EAP or Employee Assistance Program gives employees, and their immediate family members access to trained professionals. These experts can help them confront problems such as substance abuse, work-related stress, financial hardship, relationship issues, and more.

5. Hybrid Work Space

A hybrid workspace is the best of both worlds for working at home and in an office. They are a great solution for people who want some of the perks of working from home, but also miss their office setting. Employees with experience in hybrid working tend to say that it gives them more freedom and autonomy over where and how they work. Thus increasing their productivity at work.

Creating a harmonious work-life balance or work-life integration is critical, though, to improve not only our physical, emotional, and mental well-being, but it’s also important for our career.

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