Balancing productivity and well-being in the workplace is an important task for any successful business. A strong balance between getting the job done and making sure employees are cared for undoubtedly produces an engaged, high-performing team. Here are some strategies to help ensure your business is both productive and well-cared for.
Balancing Productivity and Well-Being
Creating a balance between productivity and well-being in the workplace is essential to any successful business. Productivity refers to the efficiency of a task or a process and the quality of work that is completed by an individual or team. Well-being, on the other hand, refers to an individual’s physical and mental health. A successful team needs to be both productive and well-cared for in order to get the job done correctly.
Employers must prioritize the well-being of their employees if they want to achieve success in their business ventures. According to a survey from Adecco Group, 82 percent of employers believe productivity and well-being are intertwined and impact each other (1). Having happy, healthy, and engaged workers produces an overall positive work environment that encourages and motivates employees to get their work done efficiently and effectively.
Importance of Balancing Productivity and Well-Being
Achieving the ideal balance between productivity and well-being has several key benefits for both employee and employer. When employees feel well taken care of, they will not only be motivated to do their jobs but also become more productive. Conversely, when productivity is high, employees are often happier due to feeling as though they are completing their tasks in a satisfactory manner.
Having a healthy and engaged workforce is also beneficial for employers because it helps reduce employee turnover. When employees are properly taken care of they are more likely to remain loyal to the business and show less interest in leaving to pursue other opportunities. Furthermore, businesses that implement effective well-being and productivity practices have reported seeing increases in customer satisfaction, organizational performance, job satisfaction, and employee engagement (2).
Techniques for Balancing Productivity and Well-Being
Creating a successful balance between productivity and well-being in the workplace is not an easy task. Fortunately, there are several steps that employers can take to foster an environment where employees can thrive both personally and professionally. Here are five strategies that employers can use to achieve the ideal blend of productivity and employee well-being:
- Create a Supportive Environment
Creating a supportive environment is key to fostering strong productivity and well-being in the workplace. Employers need to ensure that their employees feel appreciated and valued for the work that they do.
This can be done by providing regular feedback on performance, offering recognition for doing a good job, and providing resources or training to help employees become more successful in their roles. A good team leader should ensure that employees are given the necessary support they need to become successful in their roles.
- Encourage With Breaks
Providing breaks throughout the day helps ensure employees are energized and focused on the tasks at hand. Allowing employees to take regular breaks, such as getting up to have a cup of coffee or going for a walk, is essential for keeping their focus and motivation levels up throughout the day.
Furthermore, companies should also consider going beyond “coffee breaks” and instead provide more involved activities such as yoga classes, meditation, or lunchtime activities. This will give employees something to look forward to throughout the day and help break up the monotony of the workday.
- Adopt Flexibility Practices
Today’s businesses are quickly recognizing the importance of having flexible working practices that encourage a healthy balance between work and life. Offering flexible work hours, remote work, and additional vacation time will allow employees to achieve a healthy work/life balance and be more productive when they are in the office.
These practices also make employees much happier by reducing their stress levels and allowing them to better manage their lives. Additionally, providing flexible options also makes it easier for businesses to attract and retain talented professionals.
- Encourage Collaboration
Encouraging collaboration is essential for helping to create a productive and well-being-focused workplace. Working in teams allows employees to work together on projects, provide essential feedback, and get the job done quicker.
Collaboration also allows employees to get to know each other better and build strong relationships. Close-knit teams are more efficient and overall more successful than teams that feel disconnected. Employers should provide additional tools such as project management software, social networks, and other tools to help facilitate team collaboration.
- Promote Physical Activity
Exercise has a plethora of health benefits, both physically and mentally. The key to achieving a healthy work environment is for employers to encourage their employees to get active.
Businesses can invest in fitness equipment such as treadmills or stationary bikes, or organize group fitness classes to get employees up and moving. Exercise has been proven to reduce stress, improve cognitive performance, increase endorphin levels, and boost mood (3). As a result, employees that move around will feel more energized and more alert throughout the day — resulting in higher productivity levels.
Balancing productivity and well-being in the workplace is an important task for successful businesses. Productivity is key for getting the job done correctly and efficiently, while well-being ensures that employees are taken care of and are able to thrive.
Fortunately, there are several key strategies that businesses can use to help achieve the ideal balance. These include creating a supportive environment, encouraging with breaks, adopting flexible practices, encouraging collaboration, and promoting physical activity. Implementing these strategies will undoubtedly result in a happier, healthier, and much more productive team.
