How Important is Work/Life Balance to Your Potential Employees?

Work-life balance is an essential factor for potential employees, and many companies have established policies that promote this balance. They also use such programs as valuable recruiting tools. In the 1970s, the work-life balance movement started to gain momentum as a result of more women entering the workplace. However, it now has spread to all demographics. For example, many people help care for elderly parents, and more fathers want paternity leave and flexible work schedules to attend their children’s activities. Because of this, not allowing for a balanced lifestyle can be one of those HR policies that keeps good talent away.

Here are some tips for companies to help promote work-life balance policies.

Avoid labeling such programs “family friendly”
Companies err if they stick “family friendly” as the title above work-balance programs. They risk backlash from employees who do not have children or who do not need the programs as much. Such labels are certain to breed resentment if employees see others leave work early “just because” their children have a game, thus leaving others at work and potentially with a heavier load. The solution is to use the terminology “work-life balance” and emphasize it is for everyone. Policies should offer flexible benefits without regard to the specific reason. One such example is allowing employees unlimited vacation time as long as their work is done on time and at a measurable quality level.

Communicate
Having a work-life policy is great, but it is of diminished use if potential applicants and many employees are in the dark. Companies should highlight their work-life balance policies in recruiting materials such as job postings and during interviews. The company Intranet should make it easy for employees to track or understand their benefits. In addition, companies should evaluate their policies at regular intervals and make adjustments as necessary. They should welcome employee feedback at all times.

Lead by example
If an employee sees his boss staying at work all the time and neglecting his or her personal life, they may feel obligated to do the same. A company should be organized enough that its managers and employees can truly lead balanced lives.

Image Source : Stuart Miles