It’s a proven fact – overloaded employees are less productive, unhealthier, and prone to on the job errors, absenteeism, burnout, and turnover. Yes, we all want loyal, dedicated, and hard-working employees. But, employees also need a good work-life balance.
Here are some important suggestions small businesses can work upon to encourage healthy employee habits and boost the morale of the workforce
Many small business executives, managers, and owners are themselves, self-proclaimed workaholics. But, employees look up to the management team for modeled behavior. If management does not show by example with a healthy work-life balance, neither will employees.
Encourage productivity while at the office, and encourage employees to disconnect from work during off-hours.
Remember – management can set the example by leaving at a reasonable time and limiting communications outside of business hours.
The managers should be trained to look for the signs of overwork such as fatigue, job apathy, errors, and absenteeism. Talk with employees one-on-one about their work load and stress to identify how you can help. It may be that the employee is afraid to ask for help, doesn’t know how to delegate, or needs training to complete their job more efficiently.
Flexible schedules are one of the most helpful tools in helping employees find work-life balance. It allows employees to take care of family and personal responsibilities – such as child pickup or night school – without stressing out about missing work or leaving early. Similarly, if one day or week requires significant extra hours, allow employees to work less the following day or week.
Allowing employees to work from home on an as-needed basis helps employees stay productive while taking care of personal needs such as caring for a sick family member or discharging urgent family assignment etc.
Employees of small and growing businesses often hesitate to take vacations – especially if they feel like there is no one else who can do their job. Encourage employees to take vacation and help make it feasible by providing work back-up and/or adjusting workload to accommodate the absence. You can also implement a use-it-or-lose-it vacation policy to encourage employees to use their well-deserved time off.
Getting families involved is another way to support employees’ work-life balance. You can involve families through “bring your kids to work day” or having family-friendly events from time to time.
Employees who perceive their organization as having a strong culture of health are happier, less stressed, and more likely to take control of their well-being than employees in other organizations.
As such, encourage employees to incorporate health activities into their day such as walking meetings, standing desks, or healthy snacks.
Lastly, communicate with employees the value placed on work-life balance, and how your organization supports health and wellness.