Are you ready for National Work Life Week 3-7 October 2016?

Work life week presents an opportunity for us all to recognise the importance in finding a healthy work life balance. This week is an opportunity for employers to review how they support their employees by organising activities and events to highlight particular issues.

Did you know two thirds of UK employees state they are working longer hours than two years ago (Smith Institute, 2016)? Or that 24% of employees work through their lunch break (CIPD, 2016)? These behaviours are often perceived as a sign of commitment, however, in the long term they are damaging to an individual's personal well-being and in fact detrimental to their efficiency on an organisational level.

Culture is an overriding factor within an organisation’s workforce and creating one that is positive and mentally healthy will encourage growth and success. Mind, 2016, found that 60% of employees state they are more likely to recommend their organisation as an employer if they feel their mental health and well-being are supported. Younger employees place a premium on work life balance, and although work is important, it is not the most important thing in their lives (Millennials At Work, 2012). Therefore, there is a growing shift towards creating happier, healthier working environments to attract and retain high quality staff. During this week think about creating a healthy work environment for you and your staff, discourage working long hours, working through lunch and eating lunch at desks. Encourage employees to take a stroll in the fresh air or organise a Jacobs join in the staff area.