The phrase work-life balance has become a buzzword in today’s overworked society. This is especially true since the added stress of the COVID-19 pandemic had impacted the scene. Today’s workers feel pulled in numerous directions, yet at the same time, they feel compelled to devote even more time to their jobs so that they can stay employed. What can be done to improve work-life balance?
Work-Life Balance Statistics
The statistics associated with work-life balance issues are eye-opening:
- 94% of service workers spend over 50 hours working every week
- An amazing 66% of all workers believe they do not have a balance between work and the rest of their lives
- The average worker spends over 40% of their work time multitasking
- Over $190 billion is spent annually to address burnout and overwork
- Fewer than a quarter of all American companies believe they are at the cutting edge of promoting work-life balance.
Benefits of Happy Employees
It’s not surprising that almost three-quarters of all employees in the U.S. think that a proper balance between work and other aspects of life is “extremely important”. The benefits are surprisingly simple. Less stressed employees are happier and much more productive. It is in every company’s best interest to promote this.
How Employers Can Foster a Good Wok-Life Balance for their Employees
Here are a few steps that employers can take to loosen the grip that stress has on their employees:
- Make schedules less rigid and include flex-time when appropriate
- Promote virtual working and telecommuting solutions
- Make employee health, both physical and mental, a top priority
- Tune into employee concerns
- Develop a “mentoring culture” with the business
- Above all, treat employees with fairness and dignity
Considering the benefits to businesses, employers would do well to make these steps as a major priority for the continued health of their firms.
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