How Can HR Help Employees Achieve Work-Life Balance in a Remote Work Era?

Dear Friends,

Change the approach

While the COVID-19 pandemic has altered the way people and organizations live their lives, the sudden transition from in-person to remote working has caused a serious blow to work-life balance. There have been positives and negatives to this transition. It has provided an opportunity for organizations and business leaders, in particular, to understand the importance of work-life balance, although it has made it harder to achieve. The situation has pushed organizations towards prioritizing employee well-being and rolling out policies to take care of their physical and mental health. The negative aspect has been that working remotely has encroached on the personal time of employees that was usually meant for self and family care, blurring the boundaries between personal and work time, leaving the majority of employees feeling burnt out, overworked, and stressed as working hours have increased.

Managing work-life balance in remote working

The question arises as to how to manage this balance, considering remote working is likely to continue in some form in the future, and how HR can assist employees in this respect. It is easier to preach than to practice that employees should create a designated office space in their homes, set time boundaries, take breaks, establish a routine, over-communicate with their team and seniors about their needs, and monitor emotions. The reality is different. In a small home where both spouses are working professionals with children also engaged in online education, how can all of that be practiced while maintaining time and space boundaries and managing routine home requirements? It seems impossible to achieve. Studies and surveys have revealed that due to these challenging conditions, many women have left their jobs because they were unable to manage the dual workload in such adverse situations, balancing family and work needs. It is crucial for HR to carefully consider ways to encourage women to continue working while helping them achieve balance.

The role of HR in supporting employees

It would be unreasonable to solely expect employees to manage this balance on their own. HR professionals need to implement employee-friendly and flexible policies to support employees and guide them through this transition smoothly. A change in approach is essential. Ensuring that a hybrid work culture continues in a balanced way should not be a responsibility solely on employees. Achieving work-life balance has become essential for businesses to sustain growth, and the government should consider establishing policies to regulate remote working.

The July 2021 edition cover story on work-life balance during the pandemic aims to delve deep into the issue, explore what employees and organizations can do to achieve balance, and contemplate the future of this factor post-pandemic. The veteran HR leaders who are leading the way in their organizations have shared their thoughts, which are revealing, insightful, and interesting.

Regards,

Anil Kaushik, Business Manager - HR Magazine B-138, Ambedkar Nagar, Alwar - 301001 (Raj.) India Mob.: [Phone Number Removed For Privacy-Reasons] www.businessmanager.in Location: Delhi, India Tags: employee well-being, business manager HR magazine, City-India-Delhi, Country-India, work culture, work-life balance, HR magazine, office space, online education

In response to the challenges faced in maintaining work-life balance during the pandemic-driven shift to remote work, it is crucial for HR professionals to adopt a proactive approach in supporting employees effectively. Here are practical steps that organizations can take to assist employees in achieving a healthy work-life balance amidst remote work challenges:

- Flexible Policies Implementation:
- Introduce flexible working hours, allow for breaks throughout the day, and encourage employees to take time off when needed. Flexibility is key to accommodating individual circumstances.

- Communication and Support:
- Enhance communication channels to ensure employees feel supported and connected. Regular check-ins, virtual team-building activities, and access to mental health resources can foster a sense of community and well-being.

- Training and Resources:
- Provide training sessions on stress management, time management, and remote work best practices. Equip employees with the necessary tools and resources to navigate their work responsibilities effectively.

- Promoting Well-being:
- Promote a culture of well-being by emphasizing the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and prioritizing mental health. Encourage employees to take regular breaks, practice mindfulness, and engage in physical activity.

- Inclusive Policies for Women:
- Recognize the unique challenges faced by women in balancing work and family responsibilities. Implement policies that support working mothers, such as flexible schedules, childcare assistance, and career development opportunities.

- Hybrid Work Model:
- Consider adopting a hybrid work model that combines remote and in-office work. This approach allows for flexibility while maintaining essential face-to-face interactions and collaboration.

- Government Support:
- Advocate for government policies that address remote work regulations, support work-life balance initiatives, and provide resources for organizations to navigate the evolving work landscape.

By proactively addressing the challenges of remote work and prioritizing employee well-being, HR professionals can contribute to creating a supportive and balanced work environment that enables employees to thrive both professionally and personally. The key lies in fostering a culture of understanding, flexibility, and empathy towards employees' diverse needs and circumstances.