The Hidden Key to Work-life Balance and Well-being at Work

Many companies have come to appreciate the value of fostering well-being and healthy work-life balance. For those who haven’t, statistics show there is undoubtedly something to gain from helping employees achieve those two goals.

A recent Gallup poll, for example, shows that employees who strongly agree their employers care about their well-being are more engaged at work, less in danger of burnout, and less likely to be looking for a job elsewhere. Other research shows that 85 percent of businesses with work-life balance initiatives have higher productivity.

Despite their proven value, however, many companies still struggle to create an atmosphere where well-being and work-life balance can thrive. A recent survey from Deloitte about well-being at work found that nearly half of employees believe their company’s executives care about their well-being. Furthermore, the growing number of companies putting an end to flexible work schedules — often cited by employees as a key to work-life balance — indicates employers are still looking for a suitable approach to work-life balance.

One issue that can cause companies to struggle in these areas is confusion over who is responsible for fostering the right environment. While work-life balance and well-being are closely related, they flow from two different sources.

Work-life balance is the responsibility of the employee, and well-being is the responsibility of the employer. When neither steps into their proper roles, both will end up feeling frustrated and disappointed.

How employees can facilitate better work-life balance
While it is true that certain corporate policies like flexible work schedules, generous PTO, and realistic job expectations can help to facilitate better work-life balance, employees are ultimately responsible for embracing healthy practices in this area. Every employee has individual needs and priorities they must define and protect. Companies can provide a framework for healthy work-life balance, but employees must determine what constitutes balance for themselves and pursue it.

Establishing balance starts with setting clear boundaries between work and personal time. After-hours work should be the exception — not the rule — and while employers should respect those boundaries, it is up to employees to set them and enforce them.

Employees should also take advantage of the benefits their companies provide to foster a better balance. A recent study revealed that 62 percent of US workers don’t use all their paid time off, even though vacation and sick time are tools all employees should leverage to build better balance.

While working, employees can foster better balance by improving their organizational skills. Knowing how to prioritize tasks helps reduce the stress caused by looming deadlines. Likewise, knowing when to say “no” to non-essential tasks helps to make the workload more manageable.

How employers can facilitate better workplace well-being
Fostering a positive workplace culture is one of the best ways employers can improve well-being in their workplace. Employees thrive when they know they are appreciated for who they are and not just what they do. Companies can communicate that by celebrating their staff — highlighting employees’ awards, milestones, birthdays, or other significant life events — and offering resources to help them thrive in both their professional and personal lives.

Encouraging and supporting open communication is another way to help with workplace well-being. Employees who feel stressed or overburdened should be offered an appropriate avenue for sharing their feelings. HR teams can fill that role by being available, listening, validating, and offering solutions.

Employers and employees must understand that achieving work-life balance and workplace well-being requires a partnership. Both must do their part to create a healthy environment and ensure it is supported and maintained.