Organisations must understand that they are nothing but crumbling castles without their employees. Companies that offer employee friendly policies are more likely to have a positive and vibrant workforce.

Simply put, work life balance is the means to carve out opportune time for personal and professional life. However, since we are forever connected to technology and the internet, the thin line between work and life is seen to be shrinking at a rapid rate. With employees spending more hours at the workplace, they hardly have the time for their personal lives. And, their world seems to be revolving around hectic schedules and constricted deadlines, which only enhances their stress levels. The onus therefore is on companies to master the art of employee grooming and enable employees to stabilise their work and thus enhance their performance.

Always treat your employees exactly as you want them to treat your best customers

Ways of promoting work-life balance

Ten principle ways to promote work life balance among employees have been listed below.

• Structural consistency: It is essential to maintain consistency in the daily processes of the organisation since this provides clarity over roles and responsibilities, and hence the expectations in the day to day operations. A steady work environment can counteract any anxiety that employees could possibly face. This will enable them to create a structured plan for the day and accomplish their targets.
• In order to maintain a highly productive and jovial environment, organisations must create distinct boundaries between employees and clients. Employees must be encouraged to complete their work within stipulated timelines, avoid working beyond a certain time and leave office at a reasonable hour, unless absolutely necessary. This will help workers to be more productive during work hours, meet client expectations, and boost employee retention.
• The wellness and health of the employees must never be overlooked. They are able to work more proficiently only when they are physically and mentally fit. Every day brings in newer challenges at the workplace, and it is detrimental that the workforce is prepared to tackle such situations. Employers can encourage their teams to infuse a fitness regime in their daily routines to help them focus better. This can be done by way of organising workshops on healthcare and urging employees to exercise and eat nutritious food. Apart from benefitting the workforce, this enables them to fuel more energy in their daily chores and aids them to work with ease.
• Embracing flexible work timings: Improved well-being is of key importance to employers to avoid any kind of hindrance in the functioning of the team members. Those who are granted with an opportunity to work with flexibility are more inclined to be engaged with the organisation and deliver valuable contributions. There are lower risks of burnouts and fatigue. If one is allowed to work from home, they save time on commute, and are more likely to begin work early and complete it within the stipulated deadline.
• Fostering creativity: Companies should create a platform where people can showcase their creativity and talent. It can range from art to culture to even exchanging ideas for projects. By offering them space to pursue creative ventures and think more innovatively, they not only enhance their logical reasoning, but also foster diverse thinking from which the organisation can profit in the long run. Employees will get a welcome break from their daily routines and have an opportunity to explore their competencies.
• Crèche facility: Working women often get knotted with a lot of responsibilities when it comes to looking after their children at home. It is a plight for mothers to work in their offices while their children stay back at home all by themselves. Companies must consider providing a crèche facility for their employees' children, as this will help lower turnover and attract a wider variety of applicants. This will also enable the parents to work peacefully while monitoring the safety of their children.
• Company outings: One of the most imperative ways to boost employee morale is by organising regular outings. Refreshing excursions or picnics make them feel nurtured and provides them with a sense of belonging with the organisation. Apart from being mentally soothing it also promotes creativity and collaboration. Socialising outside of work, regardless of the position one holds in the office, garnishes healthy relations and builds team cohesion.
• Implementing short breaks: The human body is not designed to function in front of a bright screen, punching keys into the system for hours at a stretch with no downtime. To combat this, it is indispensable for companies to encourage their employees to take timely breaks throughout the day. This cuts the monotony and helps the brain breath. A quick break can instantly boost energy, clear the mind, and create room that allows them to focus.
• Empower: When individuals are given the freedom to choose their work timings and locations, they are empowered to perform better. Once team members are responsible for their schedules, they are in control of their life. This acts as a strong motivation to push limits and recognise one's own potential and calibre. Their balanced work-life will enhance company performance with quality output.
• Trust employees: Successful businesses are built on relationships. If an organisation is able to foster a strong sense of trust among their workforce, they will be able to work in unison and reach unbelievable heights. As the old adage, 'United we stand, divided we fall', companies too can have a strong foundation by developing trust and reliance in their employees.

People are constantly busy juggling work stress with their family pressures, and miss out on simple things in life. They spend more than half of their lives at work and by the time they realise this, it is too late to enjoy living all over again. Organisations must understand that they are nothing but crumbling castles without their employees. Companies that offer employee friendly policies are more likely to have a positive and vibrant workforce. Employees must enjoy their work and organisations should ensure that this becomes a reality.