Companies benefit by fostering employees’ work-life balance

There are many ways a company can prioritize the well-being of workers that will elicit a better organizational commitment from them, helping it achieve corporate goals.

It can be a win-win for both the employees and employers. An organization fostering and valuing its people’s work-life balance will help improve their well-being. In turn, they will feel more loyalty and commitment to the company.

Our ongoing research in the Punjab state of India also looked at numerous ways businesses can use to encourage work-life harmony and strengthen teamwork. It is an accepted fact that one of the most essential components for the progress and success of any organization is its human resource. For a business to recruit, cultivate and train that resource, it has to bear a significant financial burden. So the importance of retaining workers is obvious.

According to several studies we referred to in our research paper, allowing workers to have a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives, offering them opportunities to participate in decision-making, and fostering professional growth all contribute to an increased level of employee commitment. 

Achieving work-life balance is increasingly important for an employee’s overall well-being and job satisfaction in today’s fast-paced and demanding work environment. The term “work-life balance” describes the harmony between obligations in one’s personal and professional lives. Organizational commitment, on the other hand, demonstrates a worker’s loyalty, identity, and engagement with the company.

We examined the connection between organizational commitment and work-life balance and came up with practical strategies that organizations can adopt to create a positive workplace. A person is said to have achieved a work-life balance when he or she can properly manage and balance the requirements of both their personal life and their professional life. It entails devoting time and energy to work, family, relationships, personal development, leisure activities, and self-care, but in such a way that the individual gets a sense of fulfillment and well-being in his life.

Work-life balance programs are likely to attract more competent workers who are looking for a healthy way to integrate their personal and professional lives, which ultimately leads to improved organizational commitment.

The advancement of technology is the primary driver of changes in the world of work. Modifications are made in how work is conceived and what is required from the workers.  These shifts not only brought about new role distributions in life but also impacted how personnel and organizations functioned as a result. These days, working and earning a living is a reality for not just men but also women. The desire of both to carry out their obligations to their fullest potential demanded a balance between the two genders. Further, work in organizations is becoming increasingly complicated. In this challenging climate, particularly after Covid, most organizations are making efforts to help their employees strike a healthy work-life balance.

An employee’s psychological attachment and loyalty to the employer is organizational commitment. It includes affective commitment (emotional connection), continuation commitment (perceived costs of leaving), and normative commitment (sense of obligation). There is a correlation between high levels of organizational commitment and better job fulfillment, improved efficiency, and a decrease in employee turnover.

Work-life balance appears to have a substantial impact on employees’ physical and mental health, job satisfaction, and productivity, according to several studies. Lack of work-life balance can cause burnout, stress, and decreased engagement, which in turn can influence a worker’s loyalty to the company. Businesses that value work-life balance are better able to attract and keep skilled people while also fostering a healthy workplace culture.

According to research, commitment to an organization and maintaining a healthy work-life balance go hand in hand. When employees perceive that their employers value their personal lives and support measures to promote work-life balance, they are more likely to show higher levels of engagement in their jobs.

What companies can do

Flexible work schedules: By giving employees more control over their schedules through flexible work arrangements like telecommuting, flexitime, and reduced workweeks, employers can improve work-life balance and boost employee loyalty.

Workload control: Organizations can use tactics like clear goal setting, reasonable expectations, and appropriate distribution of resources to handle workload effectively. Avoiding overly demanding work hours will elicit more dedication among workers.  Supportive work culture: It is crucial to promote a workplace environment that values work-life balance. Clear discussion, managerial encouragement, and appreciation of employee dedication can all help to achieve this. A trust-building workplace environment lowers anxiety and promotes organizational commitment.

Programs for employee wellness: Organizations can offer activities that support both mental and physical health, such as workouts, stress-reduction workshops, and counseling.

Talent acquisition: In the extremely competitive employment market today, an environment encouraging a healthy balance between work and personal life has become a key component in both attracting and retaining top personnel. Work-life balance programs, when prioritized by an organization, are likely to attract more competent workers who are looking for a healthy way to integrate their personal and professional lives, which ultimately leads to improved organizational commitment.

A healthy balance between work and personal life is one of the most important factors in determining an employee’s overall happiness and level of dedication to his employer. Organizations execute initiatives that will result in a supportive working environment when they are made aware of the relationship between work-life balance and organizational commitment. They can achieve stronger organizational commitment by making work-life balance a priority using flexible shifts and workloads, a supportive atmosphere at work, and health and wellness initiatives. This facilitates employee engagement and well-being and accelerates the accomplishment of corporate goals.

Lead picture courtesy: www.breakfastwithaudrey.com.au