After all, we are talking about striking a balance, as opposed to a disregard for work in favor of a more casual lifestyle. The question often arises: how much freedom should one give their employees and how much discipline is required in the workplace? Companies that operate on a very “loose” basis run the risk of the employees taking advantage of the generosity of the employer, which may then lead to negligence, and a lack of discipline.Īt the end of the day, the employee is also responsible for achieving a satisfactory work-life balance. It is a narrow line that divides the two, and many companies fall into a similar trap: management still struggle to find the right balance between a fulfilling personal life and a healthy amount of strictness in the workplace. The employer must view themselves not as the highest authority in the life of employees, but rather as a reliable companion that encourages a healthy lifestyle. In most cases, people work in order to live and not the other way around.Ī healthy attitude towards the work-life balance begins with the employer. Something that is often misunderstood is the fact that employees are not machines that can work incessantly during the day and simply fill their tanks at home at night in order to repeat it all again the next day. This is due to competition and the fact that every important link in the chain must function in order to remain competitive – especially in terms of the so-called shortage of skilled workers and demographic developments. Our performance-oriented society all too often disregards the importance of the “happy employee” principle, which still causes confusion and skepticism in some levels of management. What we know for certain is that all sides benefit from a work-life balance. However, the working world is slowly changing as more and more companies are beginning to welcome the idea and are also specifically promoting it. “It’s increasingly important for companies to consider work/life balance as a benefit for employees," said Sinclair, "as it helps to keep the workforce productive and helps them to retain top employees in a tightening labor market.The general dissatisfaction of employees worldwide signifies how far from achieving a work-life balance we really are. employees participation in their LIVESMART program, which includes advice on issues like managing a commute, as well as wellness incentives, complimentary will preparation, and online seminars on health and wellness. Motorola, also on the list, cites work-life balance as a priority on its careers hub, and offers full-time U.S. The company offers on-site healthcare, travel assurance and emergency assistance, extended time off and financial assistance following the birth of a child, tuition reimbursement for coursework associated with a job, and free or discounted legal advice and services. Known for its offices stocked with complimentary snacks, company shuttles, and ergonomically-designed "huddle rooms," the search giant describes its benefits "secret sauce" as "all about removing barriers so Googlers can focus on the things they love, both inside and outside of work." "One way to compete is to offer a good work-life balance for their employees."Īlso making the grade is Google. "As the economy continues to improve and the labor market tightens, companies will need to find new ways to attract top talent," said Indeed Economist Tara Sinclair. "Encouraging a healthy balance between work and personal responsibilities" appears in a list of employer priorities shared on the company's careers page, and perks like nearby childcare centers emergency in-home care for dependents tuition assistance health, legal, and financial counseling services and relocation assistance feature prominently in an outline of employee compensation and benefits. Topping the list for the second year in a row is Colgate-Palmolive. In pictures: The Top 25 Companies For Work-Life Balance The twenty-five companies on this list come from a variety of industries and offer careers that range from research and development to retail, underlining the growing importance of employers' attention to work-life considerations in an increasingly competitive hiring market. "It's particularly impressive that these companies have maintained their high ranking as competition for talent has increased over the past year.” “We see several companies reappearing from last year’s list including Colgate, Wegmans, Coldwell Banker, Google, Nokia, and Johnson & Johnson," says Tara Sinclair, Indeed Economist.
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