Support employee work-life balance

Introduction

Guide

Work-life balance is how an individual allocates time between work responsibilities and personal or family life. Achieving a healthy work-life balance means effectively managing both professional and personal commitments while prioritising wellbeing and self-care.

Importance of a healthy work-life balance

Promoting a healthy work-life balance among employees can bring many tangible benefits to businesses. Employers who educate and support staff in managing their work-life balance can unlock numerous benefits, including:

  • increased employee happiness and motivation
  • higher productivity levels
  • improved staff retention and reduced turnover
  • more efficient workplace practices and collaboration

Flexible working and work-life balance

Flexible working policies play a crucial role in enabling employees to balance work and personal life effectively. Meeting flexible working needs, such as remote work, flexible hours, or compressed work weeks, empowers staff to manage their responsibilities with greater ease. Eligible employees have the right to request flexible working arrangements, helping them to achieve a healthy work-life balance.

Supporting diverse workforce needs

With demographic shifts like an ageing workforce and smaller family units, flexible working arrangements are becoming increasingly important. Many employees juggle caregiving responsibilities, whether for children or elderly relatives, and flexible work options help reduce stress and maintain productivity.

This guide outlines the advantages that a healthy work-life balance can bring to your staff and business. It also offers practical ways employers can create, maintain, and promote a healthy work-life balance for their workforce.