Just 6% of HR directors say work-life balance is a priority for their department, according to research by executive coaching provider Morgan Redwood.
Its study, based on 250 responses from heads of HR departments, also found that just over a quarter (26%) regard staff wellbeing as being very closely connected to overall business performance.
The research also found:
- Organisations that help employees to achieve a good work-life balance earn 27% more per year from each member of staff.
- The average net annual earnings per employee is £31,640 but this rose to £43,125 in organisations that considered helping staff to consider wellbeing and achieve a better work-life balance to be an HR priority, 27% more than the average.
- The top priority to improve earnings for respondents was measuring staff performance.
Janice Haddon, managing director of Morgan Redwood, said: “The fact that businesses’ earnings per employee are higher for those with a greater focus on wellbeing and work-life balance isn’t surprising for us.
“What is surprising is that so many organisations fail to allocate it sufficient importance. A good work-life balance is an essential part of a person’s wellbeing, the results of which can have extremely positive effects on productivity and performance, which is evidenced in the findings of our study.
“It seems that investing in the workforce and taking the time to ensure that employees have a good work-life balance and better wellbeing reaps rewards in the long run.
“With our results indicating a clear financial benefit, we hope to see more employers taking a positive approach towards the work-life balance and wellbeing of their staff. Looking after staff makes sense if you want to get the best out of your business.”
