by Darren Jones | Feb 19, 2024 | Employee Retention
Close your eyes and imagine your Friday night. You’ve had a long week, spending over 60 hours in the office having back-to-back meetings about Q2 goals and budgets. Your company is facing a financial crisis, so you have to make a difficult decision to lay off 10% of your department. The thought races through your head, you can barely sip back and enjoy the ice tea your significant other made for you.
Your kids are running around playing tag, creating chaos and ruckus in, what was once, your peaceful sanctuary. Your significant other tries talking to you about their week, but you can only think: “Who’s losing their job?”
You are experiencing burnout and can hardly separate your work and life.
This is a common issue many directors are facing in the age of hybrid working. The relationship between home relaxation and work productivity seems more intertwined than ever. Many are having trouble finding an escape from work when they log-off.
So, how can we bridge this gap and cultivate a “work-life balance” that fosters both personal/spiritual growth, and professional success?
The answer might lie in embracing flexible work arrangements.
Flexible work schedules, remote work options, and autonomy over time management go beyond mere convenience. They empower employees to manage personal needs, practice their faith freely, and create a healthy work-life balance. Studies show this is crucial for mental health:
Reduced Stress: A FlexJobs study reports that flexible work arrangements lead to less stress and improved mental health, with 73% of respondents indicating lower stress levels.
Improved Work-Life Balance: A Deloitte report highlights the connection between flexible work and better work-life balance, leading to happier and more engaged employees.
Boosted Productivity: Contrary to concerns, Stanford research found that remote work increased individual productivity by 13%.
But flexibility alone isn’t enough. Building a culture of mental well-being is key. Here’s how:
Open Communication: Encourage open dialogue about mental health, removing stigma and promoting understanding.
Accessibility: Offer resources like employee assistance programs, mindfulness training, and mental health days.
Flexible Faith and Mental Health: Normalize religious observances by offering prayer spaces, flexible breaks, and inclusive holiday policies. Even provide spiritual or mental health breaks throughout the week.
Leadership by Example: Encourage managers to model healthy boundaries and respect personal time.
Community Building: Foster a sense of belonging through virtual and in-person events that connect employees beyond work.
Remember, faith and productivity don’t have to be at odds. By embracing flexible work and cultivating a supportive environment, we can empower employees to thrive in all aspects of their lives.
Further Reading:
The Future of Mental Health at Work Is Safety, Community, and a Healthy Organizational Culture: https://hbr.org/2023/10/the-future-of-mental-health-at-work-is-safety-community-and-a-healthy-organizational-culture
Mental health and well-being in the workplace: https://www2.deloitte.com/in/en/pages/life-sciences-and-healthcare/articles/mental-health-press-release-2022.html
TIP 59: Improving Cultural Competence – SAMHSA Publications: https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/sma14-4849.pdf
How Work Flexibility Improves Mental and Physical Health | FlexJobs: https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/flexjobs-mha-mental-health-workplace-pandemic/
The Effect of Employee-Oriented Flexible Work on Mental Health: A Systematic Review: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9141970/
Disclaimer: This op-ed is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.
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