Over 1 billion people report some form of disability. On the heels of a pandemic, there is a worldwide focus on transforming how we utilize technology in the form of personal healthcare and wellbeing and turning our focus to prioritizing the intangibles in life like our emotional well-being over tangibles. We also see the “great resignation” where companies are struggling with how to retain employees and the need to balance work and life to reduce stress in the workplace.
Countless research has shown us maintaining a work-life balance reduces stress and prevents burnout in the workplace. Chronic stress is one of the most common health issues in the workplace today, and it can lead to physical consequences if not taken seriously.
Seven ways we employees and leaders can help improve work-life balance for our community.
- Macro-Manage the team:
- Enlist technology to help you unplug
- Support flexible hours and end work at a specific time
- Go out for lunch, and TAKE A LUNCH BREAK.
- Plan to combine work activities with leisure, social or fitness activities
- Encourage and support taking time off
- End work at a particular time: it’s easy when you work from home to allow work to spill over into your personal time. Therefore setting a culture where the “office hours” are advertised and adhered to is essential.
- Encouraging and re-enforcing the powering down of work-related devices.
- Enlist technology to help you unplug by using an app to block work tools after hours
- Or restricting work to just one device, so you have a device that is ultimately work-free after hours allowing you to disconnect completely.
- Leaders encourage your employees to leave their laptops at home (or in the office) when they vacation!! You may think you don’t have to vocalize this, but explicit permission will be appreciated.