Happy employees are productive employees, and guess what? A happy boss is also a productive boss. Today’s work environment focus is fun, and you can thank entrepreneurs such as Sir Richard Branson for that. Don’t curse his name. Rather, tap into what he tapped into years ago and create a workplace that fosters positive mindsets. One crucial element to this is a work-life balance that lets your employees know you know they have a life outside your doors. Here is why this is so important.
- It Maintains Mental Health
Stress equals burn out and burn out equals disgruntled, unproductive employees. Many employers in the U.S. do not place enough emphasis on mental health. Neither do insurance companies, healthcare professionals, and the government. Stress is linked to illness and depression, and the fact that everyone knows what going postal; means says it all. A healthy balance between work and your employee’s personal lives helps reduce their stress and boost their mental health. You don’t want an incident.
- It Maintains Physical Health
There is an old adage that says it all: Healthy body, healthy mind; so physical health is also crucial. If you do not allow your employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance, their physical health will suffer. They need time to spend with their family and friends, and they also need time to exercise daily. Granted, you have no control over what they do when they aren’t at work, but lawyers at Tully Rinckey will tell you that you have to give them breaks. Some employees may opt to take walks during theirs.
- Takiing it back to the intro
Employees who are happy and healthy are more productive. Bottom line. If you think requiring mandatory overtime is going to get more work out of your staff, you’d be wrong, and likely illegal in some cases. The U.S. has established overtime laws to prevent abuse, and Tully Rinckey law and other business law firms deal with claims against employers daily. Yes, you want your employees to work hard, but the only way they will be able to do so is if they are mentally and physically fit.
- Rounds Lives Out
You are your work, but only to a certain extent. Everyone, including you, needs to have some balance in your life. Discussing Sir Richard Branson again, he lives an active and fulfilled life through fun and exploration. Do you think he’s just doing it to show he has the money to do whatever he wants? Maybe, but he’s also educating himself for his future business endeavors. Living a life outside of work allows you to network with others, learn, and develop new skills, all of which can be put back into your business.
- Alleviates Regrets
There’s another applicable adage to this topic: You only get one life – What are you doing with yours? What are your employees doing with theirs? Do you have the mindset that you’re doing all of this for your family? If you do, you’re missing out on your family. You only have one life to live now, and what you miss you cannot get back. Yes, you may work 24/7 to ensure you have enough money for your kids; college tuitions, but you won’t get a second chance to hear their first words. Open up a college fund and work normal hours to enjoy your kids now. Show your employees the same courtesy.
No work-life balance means less productive workers. Even more frightening, it might lead to an incident with a disgruntled employee that leaves people injured or worse. Do not become a network news story. Make certain that you run your business effectively while allowing everyone to maintain a healthy work-life balance. You might think this is a recipe that will slow your business’ growth, but you’ll be surprised to find it grows much faster, especially when happy employees are engaged in your mission.
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