The pandemic caused a dramatic change in the way we work, not only in terms of location but also in terms of schedule and work-life balance. Remote work brought some benefits, such as the ability to fit in tasks like laundry during work hours, but it also led to many employees working longer hours, experiencing less social interaction, and struggling to separate their work and personal life.
This blurring of work-life boundaries has left employees at higher risk of overwhelming stress. As the modern workforce faces alarming rates of mental health issues, heavier workloads, and little time off, more than 2 in 5 workers report feeling more burned out than they did before the pandemic.
What actions can you take to support your employees in finding an equilibrium between their professional and personal responsibilities?
Setting an Example for Others to Follow
Employers play a crucial role in fostering better work-life balance. They should not only encourage employees to prioritize balance but also lead by example by implementing policies and practices that promote it.
Achieving work-life balance requires leadership at all levels, not just from the C-suite. Managers should set an example by engaging in healthy behaviors that promote balance and encouraging open communication about work-life balance among the team. This can include taking vacation days, avoiding work-related communications outside of regular hours, and providing flexibility for family or childcare needs.
By modeling these behaviors, managers can help reduce stress, prevent burnout, and improve employee productivity.
Promote the Value of Setting Boundaries
Regardless of whether employees work onsite, hybrid, or remotely, the “always-on” work culture affects us all. Many employees report working long hours and on weekends, which increases the risk of burnout.
By encouraging employees to set personal boundaries that work best for them, you are showing them that your organization values their health and well-being. This means giving them the flexibility to determine the best way to manage their job functions and working styles, whether it be adhering to specific work hours, creating a daily routine, having a dedicated workspace for remote work, or taking time for self-care.
Fostering Emotional Intelligence among Employees
To prevent burnout, it is important for employees to understand their own warning signs. Everyone has different stress thresholds, responsibilities, and workloads, so the risk and signs of burnout will vary. Encourage employees to identify and address their own signs of burnout before it becomes a bigger problem.
Encourage stressed employees to reflect on what is causing their stress at work and what they can do to change it. This self-reflection may lead to a productive conversation with their manager, who can help them prioritize and manage their workload. Encourage employees to also be aware of their own emotions as they relate to work, as this emotional self-awareness is key to making positive changes in their work and life.
Foster a Culture of Wellness
Programs such as online workout classes, mental health days, and team social hours can help promote employee well-being and work-life balance, but they may not be suitable for everyone. A highly personalized, holistic employee well-being platform can help address the unique needs of each employee and promote overall health and well-being.
Revibe’s Corporate Wellness is an example that can create a culture of wellbeing by offering a variety of features to keep employees connected and engaged, including tips and resources, healthy habit-tracking tools, virtual challenges, and more. This platform is designed to help all members of the workforce achieve optimal physical, mental, and social health, regardless of location.
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