Striking the right balance between work and play can be tricky, so what can employers to promote a healthy workplace culture? Dr Adam Greenfield outlines his top tips
Professional services, such as accountancy firms, are frequently regarded as high-pressure environments with workloads that may ebb and flow throughout the fiscal year. With this understanding, these industries need to pay particular attention towards the work-life balance of its workforce, with a finer focus on the triad' work, rest, and play'. Maintaining a balance between these three elements is crucial for employee productivity, well-being and happiness.
Work
'Work' is the most obvious element of the triad and, understandably, the primary focus of most accountancy firms. However, it is important to note that tight deadlines and excessive work can lead to chronic stress, negatively impacting productivity and employee well-being. If unaddressed, these high-stress levels may naturally lead to burnout and the likelihood of long periods off sick.
Leaders should encourage their teams to set manageable goals and create realistic work schedules to prevent burnout. This can be achieved by establishing clear expectations around work priorities and providing adequate resources to help employees complete their tasks.
Include the provision of access to the necessary technology and software, as well as up-to-date training and support for employees to stay current with industry developments.
Managers should also ensure that their teams have a healthy work-life balance. One way to achieve this is by encouraging employees to take time off when needed and not expecting them to work unreasonable hours or send/receive emails late into the night.
Rest
The second aspect of the triad is 'rest', allowing employees to recharge and refresh their minds during the day and overnight. Research shows that poorly slept and tired workers are generally less motivated and are more likely to make critical errors with their work. This can be costly and time-consuming for the organisation, causing potential reputation damage for both the individual and the company.
Rest is vital and should be encouraged by permitting regular breaks throughout the day, monitoring the team for signs of fatigue, and prioritising staff requesting additional time off for stress. In addition, firms should consider offering flexible schedules, providing paid time off, and allowing employees to work remotely whenever possible.
Play
'Play' is the third element of the triad and can be commonly overlooked in accountancy firms. However, 'play' is an essential factor for employee well-being and can help to boost productivity, team cohesion, communication, and collaboration.
Managers should encourage employees to engage in activities they enjoy, whether team-building, social events, or other fun activities. Examples may include a lunchtime sports club, group walk, or quiet after-work social. These activities can help foster a positive and supportive work environment and a positive feedback loop towards further productivity and employee well-being.
A positive work-life balance
In addition to encouraging work, rest, and play, team leaders and managers can also help to promote a positive work-life balance through various other provisions.
For instance, resources for stress management, employee assistance programs, counselling services and self-help workshops are valuable assets that can be utilised to support the workforce.
Furthermore, by promoting a culture of self-care, managers can help to reduce employee stress and burnout and maintain a team's productivity and well-being.
Work, rest, and play are all important aspects of professional life that must be in a delicate balance to maintain high productivity levels and employee well-being.
If the organisation's culture is focused on these aspects rather than simply the bottom line, a workforce is much more likely to feel supported and continue to engage in their work with diligence and care.
Dr Adam Greenfield is a leading chiropractor and co-founder of WorkLifeWell
LOADING...