Psychologically Healthy Workplace Awards

Work-Life Balance

Programs and policies that facilitate work-life balance acknowledge that employees have responsibilities and lives outside of work and help individuals better manage these multiple demands. Conflict between work and other life responsibilities can diminish the quality of both work and home life for employees, which in turn can affect organizational outcomes such as productivity, absenteeism, and turnover. Efforts to help employees improve work-life balance can improve morale, increase job satisfaction and strengthen employees' commitment to the organization. Additionally, the organization may reap benefits in terms of increased productivity and reduction in absenteeism, presenteeism and employee turnover.

Programs and policies that can promote work-life balance include:

  • Flexible work arrangements, such as flextime and telecommuting
  • Assistance with childcare
  • Eldercare benefits
  • Resources to help employees manage personal financial issues
  • Availability of benefits for family members and domestic partners
  • Flexible leave options beyond those required by the Family and Medical Leave Act

Example:

Organization:Silverado Senior Living - Aspen Park
Program:Senior Living for All Ages
Results: Employee well-being
Organizational performance
Commitment
Reduced absenteeism
Satisfaction
Lower turnover
Client satisfaction

Click here to read more about Silverado Senior Living - Aspen Park, a 2003 state-level award winner from Utah and one of APA's 2004 Best Practices Honorees.

"Now, for a national organization to judge AETN, our dedicated and creative staff, and the cooperative working environment we strive to maintain as the best a government agency has to offer, I have never been more pleased with and proud of this network and its employees."

Allen Weatherly
Executive Director, Arkansas Educational Television Network