In today’s busy world, finding the right balance between work and life isn't just something that is nice to have. It’s essential for staying happy and healthy. With 65% of job seekers saying they prioritise work-life balance over pay and benefits, this proves how important it is and why we need to create a culture of wellness that supports people in and out of the office.  

Here, we delve deeper into why this balance matters for everyone and how building a wellbeing-focused environment can make a huge difference for both employees and employers. 

Understanding work-life balance 

Work-life balance is a highly personal evolving concept with no definitive answer. What constitutes a healthy balance varies widely from one person to another, as it depends on individual circumstances, priorities and goals both inside and outside of work. As these priorities are not static; they can shift significantly over time, influenced by changes in personal life, career stages, or even external factors such as family responsibilities or health concerns. A common misconception is that achieving the perfect balance involves splitting time equally between work and personal life. Or that work-life balance is only a concern for working parents. However, this isn't the case, as everyone benefits from finding a balance that works for them regardless of their life situation. Another frequent assumption is that if someone struggles to achieve this balance, it's due to poor organisational skills or bad time management. Therefore, reduced workload or skills training would naturally lead to a better balance. While these strategies may help, they don't necessarily solve the core issue because the end goal is not a static one. Instead, it's an ongoing process that requires regular reflection and adjustment. Ultimately, it's about finding harmony that enhances your productivity and wellbeing without compromising one for the other. 

Benefits for employees; 

Here are some of the things employees benefit from when they get that balance right.  

1. Improved mental health: Achieving work-life balance helps reduce stress and anxiety, leading to better overall mental wellbeing and a lower risk of burnout. 

2. More job satisfaction: Employees who maintain balance tend to feel more satisfied with their jobs, leading to higher motivation and engagement at work. 

3. Enhanced productivity: A balanced lifestyle can boost focus and efficiency, allowing employees to work more effectively during their hours and accomplish tasks more efficiently. 

4. Better physical health: With time allocated for exercise, proper nutrition, and relaxation, employees can enjoy improved physical fitness and reduced absenteeism due to illness. 

5. Stronger relationships: Maintaining a balance allows employees to invest time in personal relationships and family, fostering a support system that enhances overall quality of life 

Advantages for employers; 

There are also many advantages to employers, and here are just some of the examples.  

1. Higher employee retention: Organisations prioritising work-life balance often experience lower turnover rates, saving costs for hiring and training new employees. 

2. Enhanced productivity: A more productive employee is not only happier, but they undoubtably produce a better quality of work.

3. Improved employee engagement: A supportive work environment fosters greater employee engagement, resulting in a more motivated and committed workforce. 

4. Less absenteeism: Promoting work-life balance can lead to better health and wellbeing, resulting in fewer sick days and a more consistent presence in the workplace. 

5. Positive company reputation: Organisations known for valuing work-life balance attract top talent and enhance their brand image, making them more competitive in the job market. 

Creating a culture of wellbeing

When looking to create a culture of wellbeing in your organisation, there are a few things you can do as a starting point. Flexible working, such as working from home or flexible hours, allows employees to manage their schedules to suit both their personal and professional needs. Encouraging them to use their holiday and mental health days without stigma is equally important. As it promotes a culture where taking time off to recharge is valued rather than frowned upon. Providing wellbeing programmes that incorporate training on building resilience, and 121 coaching for gaining insight on their values and goals, also support your employees by valuing their health and wellbeing. Encouraging an environment of open communication, where people feel comfortable discussing their work-life balance needs with management, is also crucial. This open communication creates opportunities to assist them better. This can be followed up with regular check-ins and feedback sessions to help identify areas needing improvement. Leading by example is also key, as when managers model healthy work-life behaviours, such as respecting boundaries and prioritising their own wellbeing, it sets a positive tone for the entire organisation. 

Ultimately, the best way to create a culture of wellbeing is by working together, with employees being aware of and advocating for their needs, whilst employers implement strategies. To find out more about ‘stress and resilience training’, including our session on 'finding the balance in a hybrid working environment', take a look at the solutions we offer.  We're always happy to have a chat and discover how we can help you. So, get in touch if you’d like to find out more.