Here's a Checklist to Promote Work-Life Balance for Employees

Your business thrives when your employees are performing at their best. No one can pour from an empty cup, however. To promote top-notch performance from your people, it’s essential to support a healthy work-life balance.

Here’s a closer look at why work-life balance is important and a short checklist on how to encourage it among your employees!

Why Encourage Work-Life Balance for Employees?

Recharged workers have the energy and clarity to tackle challenges creatively, make sound decisions, and contribute positively to team dynamics. Other work-life benefits include:

Increased productivity
Reduced turnover
Better employee mental and physical health

To reap these benefits and keep your workers happy, productive, and thriving, consider these eight ways you can encourage work-life balance for employees.

1. Consider Flexible Schedule Options

Hybrid work schedules are here to stay and can significantly contribute to an employee’s work-life balance. In a recent survey, more than 70 percent of employers reported using a hybrid schedule with at least some staff.

Employees value hybrid work options because it allows them to create a schedule that suits their unique needs, working styles, and personal obligations. Ultimately, flexible scheduling options can make workers feel valued and empowered, boosting morale and loyalty.

2. Monitor Workloads

Some employees will tell you when they are feeling overwhelmed, but others will just try to manage on their own, even if it’s damaging their mental or physical well-being. Actively monitoring your team’s workloads helps prevent burnout, maintain high levels of job satisfaction, and promote a healthier, more balanced work environment.

You can schedule regular meetings, leverage project management and workload tracking tools to identify bottlenecks, and set realistic expectations by consulting your team before committing to clients or stakeholders.

3. Encourage Breaks and Time Off

Disconnecting can be hard, but taking time off reduces burnout and supports your staff’s mental and physical health. Time away from work, whether by taking a 15-minute break or a few days of paid time off, helps employees return with renewed energy and fresh perspectives.

Fostering a culture that values time off starts with clear, straightforward policies regarding breaks, vacation time, personal days, and sick leave. It’s also important to create an environment where employees feel comfortable taking time off without fear of judgment or repercussions.

4. Leave Work at the Office

Sometimes, answering an email in the evening or taking a call over the weekend is essential. However, most tasks can wait until the next business day.

If employees are chronically working from home after a full day, they are likely to burn out. Establish policies that limit after-hours work and remind your employees to go offline when they’re off the clock.

5. Increase Support for Parents

Childcare is expensive and can be hard to maintain. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 45 percent of mothers who left the workforce cited childcare as their primary reason.

By increasing support for parents, employers can help alleviate some of the stress and challenges they face. Flexible work arrangements, parental leave policies, childcare assistance, and employee resource groups for parents are a few ways to keep employees with children happy and productive.

6. Consider Stress-Relieving Perks

Depending on your location, the size of your company, and the makeup of your staff, in-demand perks can boost morale, support balance, and keep them healthier. Naturally, it’s important to check in with your team before implementing any perks to ensure it’s something that will benefit them.

Examples include:

Gym memberships
Onsite yoga or fitness classes
Wellness programs
Counseling services

The most effective benefits will be tailored to your staff and their interests and needs.

7. Remember Each Employee Is Unique

As you approach improving work-life balance for employees, remember that each person is unique.

Some people thrive working on-site five days a week, whereas others are more productive in a home environment. Certain employees work best when granted the flexibility to take breaks throughout the day, but this may be distracting or unnecessary for others.

It’s important to take time to get to know your employees, how they work, and the things they value in the workplace.

Build a Balanced Workforce with Insight Global

Whether you need skilled temporary workers to step in while team members are away or quick staffing solutions to relieve the pressure on your staff, our global network of job seekers and expert recruiters is here to help. Connect with us today to find out how we can support your success!