We all search for that perfect work-life balance. It’s been a topic of discussion for many years and I’m ready to move deeper. Let’s consider the notion of a healthy work-work balance. The type of office environment and culture you encourage that foster mindfulness and positive health, which become supporting factors in the work-life equation.
Expecting employees to be laser-focused on work all day is unrealistic and a recipe for disaster: unrealistic deadlines, micromanagement, office police, rigid guidelines, unnecessary dress code policy, non-flexible work hours, arduous approval processes, and the difficult boss that’s responsible for it all leads to stress, anxiety, underperforming, poor health, burnout, and general unhappiness.
Even while working at the Happiest Place on Earth, employees crack under the pressure. I can tell you first-hand that if you expect too much from your office without proper support, they will likely quit - but, not before producing weak performance and failing to put a cover sheet on their TPS reports, as requested.
What I want you to consider is a new type of work environment. One that fosters happiness with positive work ethics encouraging creativity and new thoughts.
Spoiler alert: People perform their best when they like what they’re doing, for whom they’re doing it, and at a company that appreciates the work they do.
Walking past our office break room, you may begin to calculate the cost of a 15-minute ping-pong game both assuming the distraction and waste of resources. But what you likely don’t see, is the before and after of our game. While those same employees were losing steam just prior to this break are now firing on all cylinders. The cliché of “work hard, play hard” does hold merit in my office.
What I’m suggesting is creating an environment that encourages healthy and productive breaks. Playing ping-pong encourages physical activity (which is proven to increase productivity) and social interaction between co-workers, building camaraderie and team dynamics.
Hopefully, you already work for a company that supports the notion of a healthy work-work balance. If you don’t, think of ways to slowly introduce changing the status-quo. Add a proverbial or literal water cooler. It might encourage you and others to get up, stretch your legs, and drink the recommended daily water intake. (The answer is 9-13 cups daily. Eek!). Invite a coworker for a walk around the block for some fresh air and let your body and mind get back into motion.
Leaders: It’s truly up to you to make this happen. Lead by example! Build this into employee reviews asking each person what they are doing daily to recharge their batteries. Encourage your office to prioritize downtime in a meaningful way to help avoid burnout. Foster an environment that puts employee wellness first, building trust, motivation, and loyalty. Empower your team to help shape a culture that values hard work, health, happiness creating the perfect work-work balance.
