Your workplace is likely driven by deadlines, and the hustle and bustle can cause you to abandon a work-life balance when the pressure takes over. However, your health and personal obligations are just as important as a fulfilling career. Find a healthy work-life balance when managing long hours on the job to improve your physical, social and emotional well being.
Many companies have recognized the importance of a work-life balance for employees struggling with meeting their professional and personal obligations. In fact, research has shown that employees who feel satisfied professionally and personally have the potential to boost their productivity on the job, experience more workplace satisfaction, and better serve clients and customers. Flexible options for employees also help to foster cohesive relationships with co-workers.
Flexible Schedules
Although the norm may be to dictate a nine-to-five schedule, many companies are exploring the benefits of work-from-home, telecommuting and flex hour options. Parents juggling activities with small children or sporting events they would normally miss while in the office, have the flexibility to adjust their work hours to achieve a work-life balance. Colgate-Palmolive is one of the large companies that has embraced this practice, according to an article from Office Dynamics International. The firm, employing more than 35,000 employees, sets realistic expectations for the flexible hours and promotes the importance of time management to enhance work performance while also balancing personal and family obligations.
Technology Solutions
Technology has transformed the way many companies operate, which allows employees to work remotely while staying plugged into company operations via mobile phones, webcams, video conferencing and online software. Communication is enhanced by technology even when sales professionals are on the road or executives are attending a child's school play during work hours. Messaging systems, online project management tools and conference calls eliminate the need for face-to-face meetings that keep employees grounded without the flexibility of achieving a work-life balance.
Team-Building Sessions
Frustration is often a detriment to employee success. Companies are beginning to understand the importance of creating a positive company culture that emphasizes the need to work hard and play hard. Incorporate break room activities that help refresh employees when overwhelmed with difficult clients or projects. Sponsor company happy hour sessions to encourage socialization among the staff. Organize sporting event outings or a lunch-time sporting competition at a local park to allow employees to blow off steam, laugh and get to know each other better.
A work-life balance is essential to maintaining productivity on the job. Employees who feel appreciated, trusted to work flexible hours, and are given the freedom to tend to personal and family obligations when necessary are more likely to stay loyal to the company and invest in its mission and goals.
Photo Courtesy of Ambro at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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