Australian businesses must become more proactive in developing solutions to assist their employees in balancing work and home life, or risk losing staff.
A new survey by recruitment firm Robert Half found that over a third (35%) of workers consider maintaining a healthy work life balance their biggest management challenge. Brian Schroder, Associate Director at Robert Half said: ìEmployees who may have previously neglected important areas of their lives such as family and friends in favour of work-related activities are now opting to take control and balance the scales.î
This point of view is becoming increasingly common, as 46% of those polled felt that businesses offering a flexible approach to working hours and conditions would be their preferred choice of employer. So with more accommodating packages available, professionals can seek employment that offers a steady balance between work and the rest of their lives, added Schroder.
ìEmployers do not need to implement major changes to make the work environment more flexible. Simple solutions, such as allowing staff to work from home on occasion, will not only allow workers to take advantage and feel the benefit of the flexible conditions, but will also increase staff motivation,î Schroder explained.
Schroder cautioned businesses to think wisely before they decide against adopting the flexible approach. ìWith half the workers polled stating that a stable work and home life is their most valuable benefit, those companies that are willing to offer flexibility in the workplace will win the war for talent.î
Managing the balancing act
Do you live to work or work to live?
