Tools for Managers
Have you heard people say this before?
"I like my job, I have a wonderful life with good network of family and friends but I feel that I am stretched to the limit. I never seem to have enough hours in the day to get my work done and still have time for my outside commitments, let alone friends or the things I really want to do".
They are not alone. Several studies have found high levels of stress are often associated when individuals do not have a ‘good’ mix and integration of work and non-work roles. One of the greatest challenges to balancing both is job demands. Job demands include "time pressures and deadlines, long hours, unclear or conflicting duties, having too much responsibility, or work that is too tiring or boring".
Work/life balance initiatives can help to bridge the gap between work and lifestyle responsibilities. The need for balance is essential as that will result in a healthy and productive environment. Otherwise the end result will be a lose/lose situation for employees and their employer.
Studies on work/life balance programs have reported such benefits for both employers and employees. They include:
- Lower staff turnover
- Increases ability to attract new staff
- Builds diversity in skills and personnel
- Improves morale
- Reduces sickness and absenteeism
- Enhances working relationships between colleagues
- Encourages employees to show more initiative and teamwork
- Increases levels of production and satisfaction
- Decreases stress and burn-out.
As a manager, you can help in achieving the benefits mentioned above. You can actively work towards changing the culture in Health to one that supports and encourages employees to better balance their work and life commitments.
Meeting both the employees' and overall organisational needs requires a significant commitment from senior management. As with any program, for work/life initiatives to be successful and sustainable, both employers and employees must take responsibility for making the program work effectively.
This site provides you the information and resources to support you in your journey to implement work life balance initiatives in your work area. Furthermore, our training will equip you with all the necessary skills to take the first step in furthering the change in the organisational culture to support the balance for work and life.
Dr Cheryl Davenport
Chair
State Health Advisory Committee on Work Life Balance Creating Family Friendly Workplaces