Managers need to do more to promote work-life balance

Managers' performance appraisals should include their effectiveness in helping employees achieve a good work-life balance, according to a recent research paper.

The study, carried out by Alexandra Beauregard of the Department of Management, School of Economics and Political Science, found that flexible working hours and help with childcare do little to reduce stress, unless there is positive input from managers.

"I found a strong link between work-home interference and stress despite controlling for the use of options such as flexible hours, home working and the provision of childcare,” explained Dr Beauregard. “This stress results in increased absenteeism and reduced productivity so it is clearly in management's interest to address this."

She added:  "The development of an organisational culture supportive of work-home balance is necessary for organisations to fully reap the benefits of their work-home options and alleviate work-home interference.”

With UK companies and other organisations losing £11 billion a year as a result of stress and health-related absenteeism, managers are under even more pressure to balance productivity issues with the well-being of employees.

An effective way to manage this pressure is through coaching. An independent study by Michigan-based Triad Performance Technologies showed that coaching has a positive impact on employees and their performance. It also revealed that coaching dramatically improves working relationships between managers and their teams.

No surprises there, since managers who are involved in coaching tend to use coaching skills when dealing with their colleagues, which helps to create a more positive and proactive environment. And happier and engaged employees are crucial for organisations that want to be more productive and profitable.

If you want to find out more about how coaching can take you and your organisation to the next level, get in touch.

Ana Paula Nacif is a coach with Striding Out. You can contact her at [email protected] or on 07951204999.