Do you live to work or work to live? This question remains unanswered even as workers get so burned out from work that they pack their bags and migrate to other countries where expenses are more affordable. Many of those who get exhausted from working the traditional nine-to-five jobs decided to just up and leave, living instead on the road as a blogger or freelancer. Many have also found peace in leading nomadic lifestyles, disconnecting from the rest of the world, and pushing for environmental sustainability as a means to live.
While these are all commendable and, in a sense, enviable, society cannot progress and the world cannot develop if everyone decides not to become doctors, lawyers, engineers, writers, marketers, and businessmen because the work is too hard. Oh, to live in a world where that is possible is a great idea, but it’s an idea, nonetheless. It is not grounded in reality. The truth is that the world needs farmers, marketers, advertisers, logistic operators, managers, and every little job you think isn’t important but is critical in a world you’ve come to both hate and love.
People and businesses are missing out on the fact that employers play a big role in helping their employees not get burned out from work. Imagine that. A simple office policy can make a huge difference in the lives of your employees. It will benefit the organization, too, because when employees are happier, they are also more productive.
Provide the Means
Be an encouraging employer. That means pushing your employees to pursue their passions and interests. But how can they do that if they do not have the financial means? You do not have to pay them more than what’s in their contract. All you need to do is provide them with some options for leisure. For example, you can provide free gym memberships or discounted yoga classes. Find out what hobbies they currently pursue and see if you can strike a deal on a group promotion.
One other thing you can do is pay for life coaching services online. Many people do not think they need a life coach or even a financial guru. These experts can help you identify your goals, work toward them, and achieve dreams you didn’t even think were possible.
Allow Flexible Work Schedule
Focus on your employees’ productivity rather than on the time they spend in the office. Being in the office for the whole eight hours is nothing compared to just five hours of office work when they accomplish more. If they have done what they need to do for the day, let them pursue other things—hobbies, interests, skills, degrees, etc. Let your employees know that you are much more focused on them reaching their full potentials than on “maximizing” their time spent inside the office.
Letting them leave at 3 PM instead of 5 PM will make a huge difference in their lives. They can attend to personal errands or spend time with their kids. Create an option for them to come in early in the morning and leave earlier than 5 or 7 PM. If possible, let them work from their homes or have a four-day workweek instead of the usual five.
Encourage Breaktimes
How strict are you with break times? Allow your employees to take a break when they are in the office. Do they want to take a two-hour-long lunch break? As long as they don’t do it every day, you should be fine with that. An occasional break in the middle of working is needed when people are so stressed about their relationships, finances, and health. Let them recharge and recuperate.
One way to encourage this is to provide a space specifically for a break. A lounge or entertainment area is a nice way for your employees to get away from work, even for a few minutes. An outdoor area where there are lounge chairs and tables for meals is another amenity you can provide. There, they can talk and mingle with their colleagues, take coffee breaks, or simply relax and freshen up their minds.
Many employers genuinely like to be involved in creating a work-life balance in their employees’ lives. They just don’t know how. You must be a good role model to your employees. That means leading by example—never sending them a message after working hours except for emergencies, encouraging them to leave on time, and inviting them over for dinners and lunches without needing to talk about work.
