Employee Well-being & Work-Life Balance


 



Introduction

In today’s fast-paced work environment, employee well-being and work-life balance have become critical concerns for organizations. A workforce that experiences high levels of stress and burnout is less productive, less engaged, and more likely to leave the organization (Robinson, 2021). Strategic human resource management (SHRM) plays a key role in fostering policies and practices that enhance well-being and work-life balance.

Importance of Employee Well-being

Employee well-being encompasses physical, mental, and emotional health. Organizations that prioritize well-being benefit from increased job satisfaction, reduced absenteeism, and higher levels of employee retention (Guest, 2017). According to a study by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2020), mental health disorders cost the global economy $1 trillion annually due to lost productivity.

Strategies for Enhancing Work-Life Balance

  1. Flexible Work Arrangements Implementing remote work options, flexible scheduling, and compressed workweeks allows employees to manage their personal and professional responsibilities more effectively (Kossek, 2018).
  2. Wellness Programs Organizations should offer wellness initiatives such as fitness programs, mental health support, and employee assistance programs (EAPs). Research suggests that companies investing in wellness programs see a return of $3 for every $1 spent (Bailey & Madden, 2019).
  3. Workload Management Unmanageable workloads contribute to burnout. HR departments must implement realistic work expectations and provide adequate resources to employees to prevent exhaustion (Demerout, 2020).
  4. Encouraging a Supportive Culture Leadership plays a crucial role in setting the tone for work-life balance. A supportive managerial approach, including open communication and recognizing employee contributions, fosters a healthier work environment (Kelliher & Anderson, 2018).

The Role of HR in Promoting Well-being

Strategic HRM ensures that well-being and work-life balance are integrated into the corporate culture. HR departments must collaborate with leadership to create policies that prioritize employee health. Effective SHRM involves continuous assessment through surveys and feedback mechanisms to gauge employee satisfaction and engagement (Armstrong & Taylor, 2020).



Figure 01 : The Vital Role of HR in Enhancing Employee Mental Health and Well-being

Source : https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/vital-role-hr-enhancing-employee-mental-health-well-being-fabhr



Video 01 - How Can Employees Improve Work Life Balance ? - Mantracare



 Engagement of Sri Lankan companies to the methodology

Having identified the importance of employees’ well-being towards the organizational betterment, many Sri Lankan companies are also conducting programmes in this regard.

 



Figure 02 : Annual Health Checkup Conducted for employees of Lanka IOC

Source : https://www.lankaioc.com/tag/employee-well-being/


Conclusion

Employee well-being and work-life balance are no longer optional but essential components of a successful organization. Companies that invest in these aspects experience increased employee performance, higher retention rates, and a positive organizational culture. Through strategic HRM, businesses can implement sustainable practices that benefit both employees and employers alike.


References

Armstrong & Taylor (2020). Armstrong’s Handbook of Human Resource Management Practice. 15th edn. London: Kogan Page.

Bailey & Madden (2019). Employee Well-being and Engagement: The Evidence and the Issues. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Demerouti (2020). ‘Daily recovery from work-related effort during non-work time’. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 25(1), pp. 1-10.

Guest (2017). ‘Human resource management and employee well-being: Towards a new analytic framework’. Human Resource Management Journal, 27(1), pp. 22-38.

Kelliher  (2018). Work-life balance: A critical introduction. London: Routledge.

Kossek (2018). ‘Designing work, family & health organizational change initiatives’. Organizational Dynamics, 47(1), pp. 47-56.

Robinson (2021). The Impact of Workplace Stress on Employee Performance. New York: McGraw-Hill.

World Health Organization (WHO) (2020). ‘Mental health in the workplace’. Available at: https://www.who.int (Accessed: 15 March 2025).


Comments

  1. Prasanna KumaraMarch 31, 2025 at 7:37 AM

    Focusing on employee well-being is essential for a productive workplace. It ensures employees feel valued and supported, which leads to better job satisfaction. Organizations can promote work-life balance by offering flexible hours, mental health resources, and encouraging time off. These actions enhance both employee performance and the company's success.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Chathuri SamarawickramaMarch 31, 2025 at 9:40 AM

    Prioritizing employee well-being and work-life balance leads to a happier, more productive workforce. This blog offers valuable insights on creating a healthier work environment. Great read!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Jasmine JayakodyMarch 31, 2025 at 10:09 PM

    Employee well-being and work-life balance are key to a productive workforce. Flexible work options and wellness programs help employees manage personal and professional duties, boosting satisfaction and reducing absenteeism. A supportive culture enhances employee performance and retention.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Kasun MaddumahewaApril 4, 2025 at 9:40 AM

    You've effectively explained Employee Well-being & Work-Life Balance in your blog post. In my view, companies that prioritize these aspects benefit from enhanced employee performance, higher retention rates, and a stronger organizational culture. I appreciate your valuable insights and look forward to more content like this!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Charitha BoraluwaApril 5, 2025 at 8:46 AM

    Comprehensive statement of growing importance of employee well being and work life balance in today’s corporate environment. Prioritizing employee health and flexible work practices not only enhances productivity and engagement but also fosters a positive organizational culture

    ReplyDelete

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