Work-Life Balance: An Essential Tool for Productivity

According to research, Denmark is the number one country for Work-life balance. As specified under the National minimum wage act in Nigeria normal full-time working hours are forty hours per week.  It is believed that Nigerians don’t have a healthy work-life balance. As a result of the always-connected nature of modern life, many people need to answer work emails and phone calls in the evenings, on weekends, and even on holidays. Availing them with a few hours for quality time with family, friends, self-care, and fun.

Burnout can result from all of these things, which is detrimental to productivity and morale. In addition, work-life balance is often portrayed as something employees must manage themselves, but it is essential for employers to set up a work culture that promotes this balance.

WHAT IS WORK-LIFE BALANCE

Work-life balance involves the minimization of work-related stress, and the establishing of a stable and sustainable way to work while maintaining health and general well-being. What the balance looks like is different for everyone, for example, a married man with two children’s needs is different from a single lady who just graduated and start the journey of her career. The balance is likely to change over time. In the end, however, everyone must keep in mind that the demands of work should not stand in the way of an employee having a satisfying life outside of work.

CAUSES OF WORK-LIFE IMBALANCE

• Over sixty percent of employees with work-life balance issues blame bad or overbearing bosses.
• Approximately thirty-nine percent of employees work over their regular working hours, these employees report flexible working hours as well as rigid vacation schedules.

This shows that employees lack control. They have little to say in how they perform their jobs. These employees aren’t healthy either, individuals who work long hours face a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, depression, anxiety, and chronic stress. There is a direct connection between work-life balance and employee engagement and well-being. A lack of ability to sign off leaves employees with less time for physical activities, healthy eating, and social interaction with friends and family.
Employers who offer good work-life balance are highly sought after by people, and word gets around. Being known as a company where employees feel like they can thrive at work and at home is a huge advantage.

HOW CAN MANAGERS SUPPORT A WORKPLACE THAT PROMOTES BALANCE IN LIFE?

Companies should publicly advocate for solutions that promote work-life balance, and this consideration is essential to remain competitive when acquiring and retaining talent. Any manager that’s hoping to improve the status quo at their company can consider the following factors.

• Create Flexible Schedule Options: Allowing employees to work from home when needed, split shifts, and leave on time means they are better able to juggle family responsibilities with work. They can look subscribe to Co-working services close to home.
• Use Relaxation Packages as Rewards Recognize work anniversaries. Team or individual accomplishments, and the achievement of company goals with relaxation packages. A message, extra time off work, and gift certificates for a restaurant or streaming movies can help employees periodically unwind.
• The ability to unplug: The majority of employees want to be able to spend time with their family and friends when they’re not in the office, which they can’t do when their bosses are emailing them at all hours and expecting an immediate response. It is critical for work-life balance that employees can ignore work communications outside of work hours without being penalized.
• Modeling work-life balance: The best thing managers can do to help their employees is to model the behavior. Leave on time. Don’t email outside of work hours. Don’t make employees feel that there are unwritten rules about how dedicated they should be layout your expectations and then follow them yourself.
• Employees can also set their own expectations. Work-life balance can be achieved by employers creating a healthy work environment, but employees must also set their own boundaries and advocate for themselves within the workplace. Once you answer a call at 10:30 p.m., you’re telling your employer that you’re available all the time. If you already have a job, make sure you discuss work-life balance with your employer.

Due to work-life balance, employees are healthier, happier, and more fulfilled. This is beneficial for both employers and employees. The more time and resources you devote to giving your employees a sense of balance between their personal and professional lives, the more successful you will be at attracting and keeping the best people for the job.

Most Co-work spaces today are designed to help enhance work life balance for enterprenuers and founders.