Promoting Work-Life Balance: A Crucial Step for HR Leaders

As HR leaders, the well-being of your workforce is a top priority. However, a significant portion of U.S. workers, including HR professionals, are grappling with mental health issues that can affect productivity, job satisfaction, and overall organizational success. With 20% of adults affected by mental health problems and the associated costs potentially reaching up to $105 billion annually, it is imperative to promote a culture of work-life balance. Here's why and how you can make a difference.

Understanding the Mental Health Landscape

1 in 5 adults in the U.S. suffers from mental health problems. This statistic highlights the widespread nature of these challenges within your workforce. Unfortunately, most workers are unaware of the mental health benefits provided by their employers. It is essential to improve communication about these resources. Utilizing employer benefits is imperative, as untreated mental health conditions are not just a personal issue but a significant financial burden. Organizations can incur costs of up to $105 billion annually due to untreated mental health issues.

The Cost of Burnout

Burned-out employees are less productive, unmotivated, and more likely to leave their jobs. Survey findings show that nearly 45% of workers feel burned out, with only 40% of these workers going beyond expectations compared to 56% who are not burned out.

Workload, compensation, the nature of the job, poor management, and understaffing are significant contributors to job stress. These factors need to be addressed to alleviate burnout. These effects extend beyond the individual, impacting team dynamics. Burned-out employees' stress can lead to increased workloads for their colleagues, fostering resentment and further decreasing overall team productivity.

Boost Awareness

Communicate and Educate: Despite the availability of mental health resources, 70% of U.S. workers are unaware or only somewhat aware of these benefits, and 50% feel uncomfortable using or asking about them. Continuous communication about these resources is vital. To assist with eliminating the stigma and false information around these resources, employers should offer training to leaders and employees. Life Force Wellness LLC offers workshops like "It is Okay to Not be Okay," which reduces stigmas and encourages employees to utilize resources.

Continuous Communication: Regularly informing employees about mental health benefits—not just during open enrollment periods—can help increase awareness and utilization of these critical resources. Post information about your resources in many locations in simple terms and in multiple languages. If your employees cross-culturally, it is vital to promote benefits in a way that all employees can understand.

It is important to note that Leaders play a crucial role in creating environments where employees feel comfortable accessing mental health benefits. Modeling good mental health practices can set a positive example for the entire organization. Life Force Wellness offers a leadership workshop, "Creating a Culture of Positivity and Growth," to educate leaders in Positive Psychology techniques to create a culture that promotes psychologically safe work environments.

Leaders need to build trust with their employees. Employers must follow through on mental health initiatives and show they are reliable to maintain employee trust. Failure to act on feedback and survey results can erode trust and diminish the effectiveness of these initiatives.

Addressing HR Professional Challenges

There are unique HR Challenges as HR is usually tasked with caring for the rest of the workforce. HR professionals face unique mental health challenges, such as balancing expectations between employees and executives and managing employees' personal issues. These stressors can significantly impact their mental health. Who does HR report to when they need help?

The meaningful nature of HR work can also lead to higher stress levels, making it difficult for HR professionals to detach from their roles. Implementing daily stress management techniques and having a peer to lean on when things are difficult is essential to maintaining health.

HR needs to be extra vigilant. About 50% of HR pros reported that their job negatively affects their mental health, and 52% wouldn't recommend the field to those already struggling with mental health issues.

Steps to Promote Work-Life Balance

Reform Workloads: Assess and redistribute workloads to ensure no one is overburdened. This can help reduce stress and prevent burnout.

Enhance Flexibility: Offer flexible schedules and more time off to help employees manage their work-life balance better.

Improve Communication: Regularly update employees on available mental health resources and other employee benefits to encourage their use.

Model Healthy Behavior: Leaders should demonstrate good health practices and create a supportive environment where discussing mental health is normalized. Health benefits are for employees at every level of the organization.

Act on Feedback: Show employees that their feedback is valued by taking concrete steps to address the issues they raise. Make sure they know their voice is being heard by implementing solutions.

You can create a healthier, more productive workplace by prioritizing work-life balance and mental health. Not only will this benefit your employees, but it will also enhance organizational performance and reduce costs associated with untreated mental health issues. As HR leaders, you have the power to make a significant impact—starting today.

HR Leaders, you don't need to do it alone. If you need assistance, email us at Life Force Wellness LLC at [email protected]. We would be happy to help you create a culture where you and your employees are cared for and thriving.