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In a recent survey, a huge 93% of employees said work-life balance was critical for good overall wellbeing with 67% saying they don’t feel they can fully switch off from work. With National Work-life Week 2024 taking place 7-11 October 2024, we’ve got some expert advice on boosting work-life balance for your teams.
1) See it as an opportunity
National Work-life Week can be an opportunity to enact real change, which often starts with a holistic assessment of how work-life balance is upheld within the organisation. Author and psychotherapist, Eloise Skinner, said: “Organisations should think about the opportunities that come with National Work-life Week – opportunities to refocus on work-life balance, give employees a chance to share their opinions and feedback, and demonstrate the importance of employee wellbeing.”
2) Promote flexibility for all
The theme of National Work-life Week 2024 is flexibility. Charlotte Rooney, career coach and work life balance strategist at A Half Managed Mind, said: “It is worth planning in advance what flexibility you are able to offer people should requests come in as a result of bringing this idea to the fore. You want to have clear guidelines and boundaries in place in advance to make sure that people across the organisation receive the same response and treatment. It’s important to remember and acknowledge that people of all genders and all ages can benefit from more flexibility in the way that they work. And this at all levels of the organisation from entry level to CEO.”
3) Consider the 3Rs
A useful place to start when trying to boost work-life balance is the 3 Rs, says Karen Liebenguth, a leadership coach and mindfulness trainer . “Having a positive work-life balance increases vitality, motivation, engagement and creativity. These are crucial ingredients for sustained good mental health. When the three vital wellbeing Rs (relax, restore and recharge) are given, people naturally want to do well in their job and they will flourish. Thriving, being active and contributing to life and work is one of the top human needs.” Town & City Gift Cards can be a helpful gift for employees to relax, restore and recharge.
4) Develop your wellbeing strategy
A core step to boosting work-life balance for your teams is a considered wellbeing strategy. Karen said: “Leaders and HR in organisations need to communicate clearly that this campaign to promote work-life balance is genuine and not just another tick box exercise that happens once a year. Organisations must show employees they take work-life balance seriously by making it part of their wellbeing strategy that is endorsed by senior leaders. It will help HR and leaders to demonstrate that having a good work-life balance is an integral part of their organisation’s work culture.”
5) Think about the practical
It’s often useful to think about the practical elements that can be incorporated into your wellbeing strategy. Eloise adds: “Practical steps – such as organising events, email newsletters or rewards for employees – should be considered alongside a more holistic assessment of how work-life balance is being upheld within the organisation. Organisations could seek to surprise and delight employees with unexpected experiences, gifts and signs of appreciation.” Check out Town & City Gift Cards for employee rewards that offer ultimate local choice.
6) Take the long term view
And finally, even though National Work-life Week is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the importance of work-life balance and start making tangible change, it’s useful to think longer term. Charlotte adds: “Companies should not think that you can solve work-life balance in a week or in a single initiative. It needs a continuous adjust and test approach to lead to the happiest, most loyal and most productive employees because people’s circumstances change, the company’s circumstances will change and what worked six months ago may not work as well anymore. So it’s got to be something that is an ongoing commitment to maintaining it if you want to get the best results for your people and your company’s bottom line.”
