A guide to work-family balance trends in the workplace

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In the past few decades, the importance of work-family balance has evolved from being just a buzzword to a core component of HR policies. As the workforce demographic, social norms and technology continue to evolve, organisations are facing the challenge and opportunity to support their employees in achieving a harmonious balance between work and personal life.

Here are our top 5 work-family balance trends in the workplace.

1. Flexibility is king

Remote work: The COVID-19 pandemic was a watershed moment that pushed remote work from an occasional perk to a mainstream work model. Companies that had never considered allowing employees to work from home found themselves implementing remote work policies overnight. Post-pandemic, many organisations have recognised the benefits of remote work, both in terms of productivity and employee satisfaction and have incorporated it as a permanent option.

Flexible hours: It’s not just about where we work but also when we work. Traditional 9-to-5 schedules are giving way to more flexible models where employees can adjust their work hours to better align with personal commitments, such as child or elder care.

2. Mental health as a priority

Burnout is real, and the lines between work and personal time can blur, especially in a remote setup. Recognising this, companies are investing more in mental health resources, providing employees with counselling services, wellness apps and dedicated ‘mental health days’ to recharge.

3. Focus on parental support

With the increasing number of dual-career households, there’s a significant emphasis on providing both mothers and fathers with adequate parental support.

Paid parental leave: Companies are not only offering more generous maternity pay but also introducing or enhancing paternity pay for longer periods, making it easier for fathers to play an active role during the initial days of parenthood.

Childcare assistance: Some businesses are partnering with local childcare providers or even setting up in-house childcare facilities to alleviate some of the pressures faced by working parents.

Parental coaching support: Recognising the complexities of modern parenting, many organisations are now offering parental coaching services. These services provide guidance to new parents, helping them navigate the challenges of balancing professional responsibilities with the demands of raising a child, ensuring smoother transitions and fostering a supportive work environment.

4. Encourage time off

To ensure employees don’t face burnout and can spend quality time with their families, companies are adopting policies like mandatory holiday days, flexible working (see guidance on new legislation) and company-wide shutdowns.

5. Employee and manager training to support work-life balance

HR departments are actively organising workshops and training sessions to help employees better manage their time, set boundaries, and integrate work and personal life in a way that’s fulfilling and stress-free.

The pursuit of work-family balance is not just an individual’s challenge but an organisational one as well. Companies that recognise and support their employees in this journey are likely to witness higher retention rates, increased job satisfaction and better overall productivity. It’s essential for HR and managers to stay abreast of these trends and lead the way in creating a work environment that truly values and nurtures the holistic well-being of its workforce.

Are you intrigued by the ever-evolving employee needs for work-family balance? Catch up now on the recording of our engaging discussion: “Exploring Work-Family Balance Trends in the Workplace.”

Listen in to our panel discussion as we delve into the challenges individuals face and how organisations are adapting to these shifting dynamics:

Panel:

  • Helen Letchfield, Co-Founder, P&P
  • Andi Simmons, Work-Family Balance Coach, P&P
  • Cara Gates, Learning Partner, Assistant Director, Rothschild & Co
  • Hayley Crosby, Transformation and M&A Director, The Vita Group

Questions answered:

– What are the trends in the needs of individual employees for work/family balance in this last year?
– How are executive teams and senior management teams responding right now?
– What’s the biggest barrier to individuals getting the balance they need?
– Does work family balance mean less productivity and less engagement?
– What more can we do in HR/L&D/D&I to establish a health work/family balance culture?

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