Get involved - Ideas for National Work Life Week

National Work-life week provides the perfect opportunity to put a spotlight on the need for Work-life balance for all employees and the business benefits of getting it right. Here are seven core themes to help you plan your programme. You can also call Kirstie Axtens or Claire Green on 020 7253 7243 for an informal chat or to request the National Work-life week logo

Senior Sponsorship
Lack of senior sponsorship is a key reason that change initiatives fail. On the other hand, a sponsor who has credibility, reputation and authority to demonstrate the urgency and need for Work-life balance will catalyse and energise your organisation. Help your sponsor create and publicise a clear line of sight between Work-life balance and your organisation’s vision and goals

Share what works
Change guru John Kotter wrote that people change what they do because of seeing real life truths that change their feelings NOT because of analysis that changes their thinking. Share case studies of what works in your organisation and use role models to inspire and catalyse change.
 

Go home on time
One of the most obvious ways to enable better work-life balance is to break the vicious cycle of presenteeism. There is very strong evidence that long work hours reduce decision quality and work performance, as well as squeezing the time for a healthy lifestyle and time with family and friends. Share this evidence, promote the role models and encourage your staff to go home on time.

Engage and educate
Raise awareness and provide practical tools that improve performance and work-life balance right now as well as providing the opportunity to step back and take a broader look at life and career. Working Families Consultancy and Training team are here to help you make a lasting difference with Quickbite webinars and seminars, Minibite e-learning and dedicated onsite Work-life balance clinics

Family and community time
Recognise that everyone has a life outside work, and that this brings vital skills back into the workplace eg leading and motivating others, resolving conflict, working to deadlines, prioritising or budget management. And, enable staff to demonstrate pride they have in their work by bringing family to work, community or family fun days or a working party to help a local school or community group.

Exercise
The business case for fit and healthy employees is proven: reduced absenteeism, increased emotional resilience,  confidence and alertness. Encourage employees to take exercise and demonstrate how important it is, eg on site healthy checks, corporate gym membership, onsite exercise facilities, walking or cycling to work, going for a walk or jog at lunch time.

Healthy eating
What we eat impacts our energy levels and ability to concentrate. What is more, there is very clear evidence that shows certain foods negatively impact brain function, such as the ability to recall information, facts and figures, e.g saturated fats. Other foods will energise and support alertness. Promote healthy eating eg by providing fruit mid-morning or afternoon