As an employer, a culture that neglects a healthy work-life balance can impact productivity, revenue, and even reputation. That’s why it’s important to build a healthy working environment–ensuring safe conditions throughout.
As part of a Health Shield health cash plan, we offer an Employee Assistance Programme so that employees who may be experiencing difficulties that impact their mental wellbeing have support they can easily access. We asked our EAP partners, Health Assured, about the importance of empathy for employee wellbeing in the workplace.
Here are ways a workplace can prevent burnout and nurture a positive work-life balance:
Regulate workloads, responsibilities, and goals
The first step to take is regulating workloads, responsibilities, and goals.
Regulating your employee’s tasks determines whether they’re working in safe and fair conditions. Employees can reach their objectives within reasonable means–eliminating burnout triggers.
At the same time, you’ll be able to see whether they’re facing other issues like stress or overworking. You’ll indirectly create a healthier workplace–and employees will leave their ‘work-worries’ at the office-door.
Work within contractual hours
A common cause for burnout is working beyond the norm. That’s why it’s important to ensure employees only work within their contractual hours.
Whether you work a ‘nine-to-five’ or set shifts, ensure all employees work within the hours they’re legally contracted to. This is especially important for hybrid or remote employees, as it’s extremely common for them to blur the lines.
Whilst working overtime (through mutual agreement) isn’t unlawful, it is commonly linked to burnout. Regulate all overtime–either use it through as a last resort or avoid it altogether.
At the close of the working day, encourage all employees to ‘log-off’. This sets the boundary for ending work for the day.
Support carer and parent-employees
A high percentage of the working demographic categorise as ‘parent-employees’. This group arguably suffers the most when it comes to a work-life balance.
Managing children, households, and commitments (whilst working) is probably equivalent to having two jobs at once. As a result, they often over-commit and reach their maximum peak before experiencing burnout.
As an employer, ensure parent-employees are fully aware of support available whilst managing their work and home life. You can provide crèche services, childcare support, and flexible work hours. This is additional to their statutory rights for parental or carers’ leave and pay.
Remember, it’s almost impossible to create the perfect balance between work and home life. Every employee will present individual needs and requirements. So, encourage a work-life balance through positive company culture.
Make reasonable changes to eliminate anything that disturbs the balance–like workplace burnout. That way, you’re on the right path towards building a healthy and harmonious workplace for all.