How Can We Tackle Work-Life Imbalance and Reduce Employee Burnout in Our Firm?

I am an HR professional in a leading global consultancy firm. The firm provides the best in the industry; however, there is still a turnover rate of around 20%. We have a feeling that the reason could be work-life imbalance, leading to burnout among employees. We are considering conducting a work-life balance study in the firm, and the firm has agreed to provide all the necessary resources for it.

The study will include:
- Measuring the extent of work-life balance existing in the firm
- Identifying what's missing and providing remedies

Please share your insights on this topic. Your input is valuable. Regards

I think this a kahani ghar ghar ki , even my company is facing same situation.
According to me may be the reason is so many option is available with the employees which is unavoidable ,but the only thing we can do is we should not treat them just salaried workers . we should understand their problems whether it is related family/work place/financial or anything where we can support till our limit . this way they will trust the company and it is really difficult for them to leave it @ any cost.
Further more too much of insecurity of loosing employee may leads you to take wrong decision so my suggestion is let them go those who are not happy with the company ,otherwise they ‘ll spread or share their dissatisfaction with everyone & this will provoke other ppl too.
Rgds
Kanak

That's true, but so much money goes wasted on training, it feels like wasted energy. I understand there is opportunity, but how many of them are of quality? More money, and they will jump at it, not even looking at the job content. What are they going to say after 10 years? They have learned... nothing. They have to understand that an MBA institute isn't the end of education or learning in business. Only the right experience can build it. Hope they understand.

Hi all,

This is one of the most burning issues in the consulting industry today.

About a few months ago, I was talking to the HR directors of one of the Big 4 consulting firms, and he agreed that work-life balance is a problem. They are making efforts, but the way the industry is structured, it is almost impossible to let your 'human capital' walk off at 5 pm. It then trailed off into being a 'women' related issue...

I am currently working with an all-women consulting firm, and we try to balance work and life as much as possible. This, at times, means that we do not consciously bid for projects that are more legwork/pay but less satisfaction!

What are the viable solutions then if one wants to continue working in a competitive environment and yet maintain the balance? Have the cake and eat it too???

Solution - Learning to work smart? Automation? Switching off the mobile phone after 6 pm and on weekends? Taking on fewer projects? Living close to the office???

And, after looking at some of the companies that do provide work-life solutions (e.g., Dupont), what is the overall impact? Especially in terms of:

1. Impact on employee morale and productivity

2. Retention

3. Cost to Company/ROI

4. Hiring edge/employer of choice

5. Health of employees

6. Connecting with employees' family

Thats my two bits...

Regards,

Anubhuti

Right, but competitiveness has to be maintained. Therefore, I think compensation should include a stress level indicator for every job. This indicator would show the amount of stress the job would create for the incumbent. Then, candidates could be selected on a probationary basis, put through a demonstration job scenario, and the candidate who survives the test would be hired.

But how can I measure the level of work-life imbalance existing in the firm? How can I measure it and interpret it within 2-3 months?