10 Ways to Improve Work-Life Balance for Your Employees

  • postauthorOnsurity Editorial
  • postdateOctober 14, 2024
  • postreadtime10 min read
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Work Life Balance

Balance is important in anything we do. When it comes to a job, work-life balance means achieving an equilibrium between professional and personal life.

This balance is not only about managing time properly. It also means setting boundaries to ensure that work does not affect personal well-being.

Around 72% of employees feel that a healthy work life balance is the top priority for combating toxic work culture. It is important for maintaining productivity, mental health, and overall welfare.

A recent survey of more than 5,000 employees in India found that professionals between 21 and 30 are the most stressed at work, while those between ages 41 and 50 are the most relaxed. On a year-on-year basis, there has been a 31% increase in employees reporting that they suffer from high and extreme stress levels.

The survey also stated that workers between 31-40 were the second most stressed group, with 59.18 percent of them experiencing high levels of anxiety.

That’s why promoting a healthy work-life balance is essential. It enhances employee satisfaction and reduces burnout, helping to achieve organisational goals.

Here are some tried-and-tested strategies for both organisations and employees on how to improve work-life balance.

Also read: 10 Best Health and Wellness Companies in India

What is Work Life Balance?

To achieve fulfillment at work and at home, individuals must strike a healthy balance between professional and personal requirements. This state of harmony is crucial for well-being and productivity.

Some Practical Implications

1. Time Management: With a proper work-life balance, time can be allocated between work responsibilities and moments spent with family, friends, and other pleasurable activities.

2. Flexible Work Arrangements: Some employers give employees the choice of working remotely or with flexible hours. For some, this reduces stress and increases job satisfaction.

Mental Health: Nearly 78% of employees experience burnout. With a healthy work-life balance, morale can improve, and attitude towards work remains positive.

3. Personal Relationships: Strong relationships with family and friends increase overall happiness. Individuals stay well-adjusted and capable of living life to the full.

4. Physical Health: A healthy work-life balance means more time for exercise and relaxation. This leads to better overall health, which reduces absenteeism and costs.

5. Company Culture: Companies must strive for a better work culture that attracts talent and reduces attrition rates. Promoting work-life balance is a great way to do this.

Also read: Top 15 Fun Friday Games for Employees

Importance of Work-Life Balance for Employees

The survey mentioned earlier states that all employees report high-stress levels: about 72 percent of female respondents and 53.64% of men. There has been a 31% increase in employees reporting that they suffer from high or extreme stress levels.

Some of the contributors here are poor work-life balance, lack of recognition, constant low morale, and fear of judgment.

A balanced lifestyle reduces stress and generates well-being for employees. As a result, they are more likely to be productive and remain engaged in their jobs.

This attitude can lead to greater job satisfaction. There is a clear difference in motivation and loyalty.

For employers, promoting a better work-life balance leads to an engaged and productive workforce, less absenteeism, and better output.

What’s more, happy employees can lead to lower turnover rates, saving time and resources. Such companies enhance their brand image and become talent magnets.

Quick read: 6 Ways to Beat Stress and Burnout

10 Ways to Improve Work-Life Balance for Your Employees

1. Encourage Flexible Work Schedules

Let employees choose their working hours to manage their professional and personal lives better. This will give them more control over their work and motivate them to work harder.

Benefits for Employees:

  • Boosts job satisfaction, which increases employee retention rates
  • Improves morale so employees feel more happy at their job
  • Leads to better management of personal commitments

Tips for Employers:

  • Organise a structure within which flexible working is possible
  • Educate employees and discuss the proper use of flexible options
  • Review performance and make necessary adjustments

Suggested read: How to Make Flexible Working Hours Easily?

work life balance for employees - offer flexible work hours

2. Promote Remote Work Opportunities

The option to work from home or elsewhere reduces commuting time and allows for a comfortable work environment.

Benefits for Employees:

  • Lower stress levels so employees focus better on tasks
  • Improved work-life integration
  • Easier management of household responsibilities

Tips for Employers:

  • Give employees the necessary remote work tools
  • Establish communication channels for meetings and feedback
  • Use regular team-building activities

Also read: How to Manage Remote Employees?

work life balance for employees - offer remote work opportunities

3. Offer Paid Time Off

Paid time off allows employees to go on vacation or carry out other personal tasks without financial concerns.

Benefits for Employees:

  • Prevents burnout to balance stress levels
  • Enhances productivity for better performance
  • Promotes healthier work-life balance

Tips for Employers:

  • Create a culture that encourages the use of Paid Time Off
  • Consider rolling over leave to the next calendar year
  • Regularly remind employees to take time off
work life balance for employees - offer paid time off

4. Set Clear Work Boundaries

Defining clear-cut times for work lets employees know when they are expected to be available. It is a positive step to improve poor work life balance.

Benefits for Employees:

  • Prevents overwork
  • Maintains work-life separation
  • Increases job satisfaction for better engagement rates

Tips for Employers:

  • Respect after-work employee time
  • Make employees feel comfortable discussing work-life balance needs
  • Provide training on time management

Suggested read: Employee Fringe Benefits

5. Encourage Regular Breaks During Work Hours

Short breaks throughout the working day allow employees to stay refreshed. They focus better on different tasks and produce quality work that keeps them motivated to work better for the company.

Benefits for Employees:

  • Decreases fatigue
  • Improves job performance
  • Boosts energy for better and faster performance

Tips for Employers:

  • Create schedules that incorporate breaks
  • Set reminders for breaks
  • Promote a culture that discourages non-stop work

Recommended read: 6 Fitness Tips While Working from Home

work life balance for employees - break during work hours

6. Create a Healthy Workplace Culture

A supportive work environment enhances morale and job satisfaction. A healthy workplace culture makes employees feel valued.

Benefits for Employees:

  • Stronger team relationships
  • Greater sense of belonging
  • Better employee retention

Tips for Employers:

  • Hold regular surveys about work attitudes
  • Organise team-building activities
  • Highlight achievements through awards and notifications

Also read: 10 Ways to Boost Employee Health and Wellbeing

work life balance for employees - offer healthy workplace culture

7. Provide Mental Health Support

Making mental health resources available to employees shows a commitment to well-being at work.

Benefits for Employees:

  • Helps manage stress
  • Improves health and productivity
  • Lessons stigma around mental health issues

Tips for Employers:

  • Collaborate with external professionals for workshops
  • Hold discussions around mental health
  • Provide access to counselling services

At Onsurity, we have partnered with companies like Amaha Health, that provide therapeutic counseling at Onsurity-exclusive prices. Thus, ensuring that mental health support is affordably available to all our members.

Relevant read: Mental Healthcare Plans

work life balance for employees - offer mental health support

8. Health and Wellness Programs

Health initiatives can make employees put emphasis on well-being and stay productive.

Benefits for Employees:

  • Improves physical and mental conditions
  • Reduces absenteeism
  • Enhances job satisfaction

Tips for Employers:

  • Find out employee interests and offer programs for the same – for example, yoga and cricket, or learning on the job
  • Provide incentives for participation
  • Evaluate and adjust the programs regularly

Members of Onsurity can access a wide range of health and wellness programs that they can avail of at exclusive discounted prices.

work life balance for employees - offer wellness programs

9. Offer Maternity and Paternity Leaves

Employees who are new parents should be supported with a variety of initiatives.

Benefits for Employees:

  • Reduces stress for new parents
  • Allows bonding time with their child
  • Promotes family well-being

Tips for Employers:

  • Update parental leave policies regularly
  • Encourage employees to take advantage of benefits
  • Provide resources for new parents

Also read: Paternity Leave in India

work life balance for employees - offer paternity leaves

10. Child Care Facilities

On-site or accessible child care makes it easy for parents to work without worry.

Benefits for Employees:

  • Strikes a balance between work and family
  • Reduces stress
  • Increases focus and productivity

Tips for Employers:

  • Explore nearby child care facilities
  • Consider child care allowances
  • Get feedback about child care needs
work life balance for employees - offer child care facilities

How Employees Can Maintain and Improve Their Work Life Balance

Apart from the initiatives taken by organisations, here are some ways for employees to create a healthy work life balance on their own terms.

  • Set Boundaries: Avoid checking work emails or messages outside working hours. It gives you time to switch off.
  • Prioritise Tasks: Focus on completing high-priority tasks first to reduce stress when navigating between work and life.
  • Time Management: To improve productivity, use time management techniques like Pomodoro (a Timer app that works on a desktop and mobile browser) or time blocking.
  • Delegate: If you are in a position to do so, delegate appropriate tasks to team members.
  • Take Breaks: Time away from the table helps to refresh and recharge your batteries. Exercising mindfulness is another effective and powerful technique while taking breaks.
  • Healthy Lifestyle: To be fit at work or outside of it, follow a proper diet and exercise, plus adequate sleep.
  • Say No: At the office, communicate your workload responsibilities and do not take on tasks you cannot comfortably handle.
  • Seek Support: If you feel overwhelmed at work, don’t hesitate to get support from fellow employees, friends, or family.

Also read: Group Term Life Insurance for Employees

Onsurity’s Role in Supporting Work Life Balance

Onsurity is a unique health tech company based in India. The platform provides comprehensive healthcare solutions tailored to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

This is to ensure that even the smallest businesses can offer their employees top-notch medical benefits. Offering competitive healthcare benefits will be a major draw for your employees.

We help increase employee satisfaction and retention by providing essential healthcare coverage. Our user-friendly platform makes it easy for both employers and employees to manage healthcare needs. This can lead to a productive and engaged workforce.

By investing in employee healthcare, businesses can contribute to the well-being of their employees and their communities.

1. Wellness Programs for Your Employees

Onsurity is committed to creating a better work-life balance for its employees. To this end, we promote a series of wellness initiatives.

2. Fitness Memberships

Onsurity members enjoy a wide range of benefits that lead to wellness. Members can also receive special offers on fitness plans, doctor consultations, and health products, on the Onsurity app.

They can also take advantage of webinars on fitness, wellness, and yoga by experienced trainers.

3. Mental Health Support

Onsurity has a series of initiatives to help you take control of your mental wellness. These provide employees with the tools, resources, and expertise they need to focus on mental health. Get access to a range of benefits, including consultations with mental health experts and sessions with specialists.

4. Health Checkups and Lab Tests

We believe in the principle laid down by Benjamin Franklin: an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.

Our members can book reliable health check-ups and lab tests online at discounted prices in the comfort of their homes. Ailments such as diabetes, eye and ear issues, among others, can be spotted and treated before they become chronic.

5. Helping Employers

It is important for organisations to promote wellness programs to support work-life balance and well-being. With Onsurity, they get Customised Group Health Plans with comprehensive wellness benefits for employees and their families.

Such plans are beneficial and cost-effective. With comprehensive health insurance coverage, employers can show their commitment to the well-being of their employees, which improves overall company morale and job satisfaction.

Conclusion

A healthy work-life balance is essential for individual well-being and organisational success. Both employers and employees can implement many strategies.

How can work-life balance be improved? Employers can start by considering flexible work hours. They can encourage time off and also provide a range of wellness resources for mental and physical health.

Employees can learn to set boundaries between work and home. They can focus on priorities and use tools such as to-do lists to manage responsibilities. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help from colleagues or mentors when feeling overwhelmed.

Both employers and employees need to participate in creating a balanced work environment.

To take action and benefit your employees, request a demo with Onsurity today for more details and practical steps.

FAQs:

1. How employees can achieve work-life balance?
Employers can help employees prioritise tasks between the urgent and the important. This will help employees set boundaries between work and personal time. Time management is also an important skill. Self-care should be a priority.
2. What are the five steps to working life balance?
Here are five steps that can help employees create a work life balance.

  1. Set clear boundaries.
  2. Prioritise tasks.
  3. Schedule time for breaks.
  4. Communicate needs.
  5. Reflect and adjust regularly.
3. How do companies improve work-life balance?
Companies can offer flexible work hours. Remote working options are also helpful whenever possible. Other steps for a healthy work-life balance are creating an empathetic culture and offering wellness programs.
4. How can employers support their employees in achieving work-life balance?
Here are some strategies to create a supportive environment that fosters work-life balance for employees:

  • Encourage physical activities that provide wellness benefits, such as discounts at top gyms that offer various workout formats, including Yoga and Zumba, to keep employees energised and healthy.
  • Healthcare plans that go beyond the basics and include benefits, such as doctor consultations, discounted health check-ups, doorstep delivery of medicines, and discounted dental health consultations and screenings.
  • Offer regular nutritional guidance and support. Implement programs that offer regular nutritional guidance and support, helping employees make informed dietary choices for a healthier lifestyle.

Onsurity has plans that offer fitness benefits such as tracking daily activity, wellness webinars and discounted check-ups.

5. What are the 3 forms of commercial general liability?
Technology can enable remote work and instant communication. However, because it is always-on, it can also cross boundaries between work and life. Constant connectivity can lead to burnout.
6. What are some signs that an employee may be struggling with work-life balance?
The signs include increased stress and fatigue, which leads to less productivity, irritability, and withdrawal. It is important to be aware of this and seek help as soon as possible.Many of these are caused because of pressure from management. These can take the form of unrealistic timelines, excessive meetings, last-minute changes, and client priorities taking precedence. A company culture that values and rewards overwork with a commitment to surpassing expectations will affect work-life balance negatively.
7. What role does company culture play in work-life balance?
An ideal company culture will encourage open communication, take breaks, and respect personal time. It will also be committed to employee well-being.
8. How important is taking time off for work-life balance?
Taking time off is crucial for recharging and improving job satisfaction, which leads to increased productivity.
9. What resources are available for employees seeking to improve their work-life balance?
The resources include wellness initiatives, workshops on time management, and access to mental health professionals.

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