In the modern era, when everyone has access to work from the convenience of their phone, it can be challenging to draw clear lines between work and personal time. It’s simply too easy to check one’s email or take a call outside of work hours, but this can have detrimental effects on work-life balance. While the “hustle mindset” has its proponents, failing to establish an effective work-life balance can have negative consequences, such as burnout, stress, and physical health effects.
Work-life balance is one of the most important qualities of a job for employees. According to statistics, 94% of employees think it is important, with 73% saying it is a core factor in job searching and 61% saying they would not accept a job that impacts their work-life balance. However, the same report finds that 66% of employees say they “don’t have work-life balance,” which highlights the role employers have in establishing this work-life balance.
How employers can encourage a positive work-life balance
Of course, one of the key factors of work-life balance is paid time off. These days, employees expect a generous PTO policy, as this allows them to take the time they need to relax, spend time with loved ones, and do the things they enjoy.
Recently, many companies have begun transitioning to “unlimited PTO” policies, which offer employees even greater control of their time. However, these policies must be transparent and unabashed; otherwise, they don’t truly help the employee. Employees should feel welcome and encouraged to make full use of paid time off.
However, work-life balance is about more than just PTO. Employers can help employees achieve better work-life balance by offering flexible work options, such as remote and hybrid work models or flexible hours. These models give employees the opportunity to work on their own terms and how they work best. With more control over their schedules and workspaces, employees can better adjust their work to optimize their productivity.
Another practice that can help improve work-life balance is setting positive, clear boundaries. Set a time that you will stop working every day, and do not break that rule except in cases of serious emergencies. Also, consider practices like time-blocking — setting aside times throughout the day for high-productivity focus sessions, eating lunch, meditation, and anything else you may need to do. This can help ensure that your lines between work and personal life are more clearly defined.
You may be surprised by what other, less direct policies may affect your employees’ work-life balance. For example, you may not think of open communication as a key factor in work-life balance, but it absolutely is. Employees must feel comfortable communicating their needs and boundaries to establish a positive work-life balance. If they feel like they can’t speak up to voice their feedback and concerns, they will likely continue to work themselves until they burn out.
To take things further, employers can encourage better work-life balance by empowering and trusting their employees. Delegate tasks and give employees the autonomy to make decisions and manage their workload. If you constantly watch over your employees, they will feel pressured to work a certain way, which can harm their productivity and job satisfaction in the long run.
Leading by example
That being said, all these policies will be rendered moot if you, their boss, do not have a healthy work-life balance yourself. As a leader, you should strive to be a model of the behaviors you want to see from your employees. Although it can be tempting to simply work around the clock, especially if you have an entrepreneurial mindset, it’s essential not to sacrifice your own work-life balance, as any negative feelings you suffer as the face of the company can be contagious to anyone who works with and for you.
Work-life balance is a key factor in employee success in the workplace. Employees with a strong work-life balance are less likely to experience burnout and more likely to remain satisfied in their jobs, which can have numerous positive effects on a business, including improved productivity and better retention.
As an employer, you should do everything you can to encourage your employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Investing in your employees is also an investment in your own success.
