Work-life balance is the equilibrium between the amount of time and effort a person devotes to work and that given to other aspects of life. Work-life balance is the subject of widespread public debate on how to allow employees more control over their working arrangements in order to better accommodate other aspects of their lives, while still benefiting their organisations.
The agenda consists primarily of flexible working practices and family-friendly policies, although good practice recommends that flexibility should be open to all, including those without caring responsibilities.
Action Checklist
1. Find out what employees’ needs are, and how far they are being met
2. Focus on organisation culture
3. Improve personal and organisational efficiency
4. Set up work-life policies and benefit arrangements
5. Inform and train managers
6. Communicate the policies and benefits
7. Evaluate work-life balance success by measuring employee and customer satisfaction
How not to manage work-life balance
Don’t:
• try to “impose” work-life balance, or introduce it without consultation and co-operation
• assume that you only need to target women with children or employees with elderly dependants
• think that flexibility is only appropriate to certain work settings
• discriminate.