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Fruit, massages and rugby can all help in the workplace
Tanya Thomas THE issue of work/life balance has never been more topical. The changing labour market has brought this increasingly into focus.
I am proud to say that Premier Recruitment recently celebrated it's fourth consecutive year as one of Ireland's 50 Best Companies to work for. Premier Group has an extra reason to celebrate this year as the company has moved up two places in the hotly contested rankings!
The company also received a special commendation for its work-life balance practices. And what exactly is work-life balance? "Work Life Balance consists of the implementation of working arrangements and policies which assist workers in combining employment with other aspects of their lives"
Across the country organisations have been introducing a variety of initiatives in the last decade in a bid to improve employee health and work life balance. I would like to say that it is common place in all sized companies across all locations of the country but this would not be true. For a number of reasons you will find that larger the company, the more bells and whistles that will form part of the package.
Most companies with more than 200 people employees have human resource teams and these in turn have the resources and budget to develop interesting packages to promote better health in the workplace. It is hoped that this in turn will result in healthy staff which is proven to equal productive staff. Initiatives such as these can help reduce stress and sickness.
For those businesses that are in the small to medium sized category and do not have the time, energy or budget to develop such a sophisticated package structure – do not be alarmed. Even small initiatives will help and these need not always cost a fortune or take too much effort to set up.
Here are some tips that may help ........
Encourage your people to get some air at lunchtime. Now that we are heading into "Summer" this is becoming more of an attractive proposition. The easiest thing in the world to do is to slip on your "runners" and get out there and walk. Some days you may have people to walk with and other days not - don't be put off – bring some music with you. It is very easy for working through lunch to be part of the culture and although this may seem like extra benefit to the business it has been proven that by getting some exercise and fresh air people are more alert, less tired and all around happier!
Provide a fresh bowl of fruit once a week – not only will it encourage better eating habits, it will also stop people from automatically going for junk food. Fresh Fruit Smoothies are another nice treat – what is to stop you from organising smoothies from one of Kilkenny City's numerous smoothy bars.
Many of the gyms in town offer corporate memberships which could help somewhat the overall cost. Why not split the cost with your employee – any contribution is a step in the right direction.
Another relatively cheap but effective option is paying for a massage therapist to come in to your premises every quarter or so. These massages can be done in ten to 15 minutes and are simple back/shoulder and neck massages which are not invasive and can be done fully attired!
Try not to be too rigid with your people. Remember it is give and take. If your people are prepared to put in extra, unpaid hours for the business then don't be afraid to give a simple thanks and an early mark on the occasional Fridays particularly on a long weekend or if the person has somewhere special to go.
Tip Rugby season is almost upon us – what about encouraging your people to enter a team or two? Not only will it promote good health it will also help to build team dynamics.
As you can see there are many simple but cost effective ways that can demonstrate to your employees that they are more than just a number. You will be surprised at the difference it will make and certainly a step in the right direction to gaining a much coveted place on the best companies to work for list!
Tanya Thomas is a manager with Premier Recruitment and places finance staff into commerce and industry in the South East. If you have any questions on the above email tthomas@premier.ie
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Weather for Kilkenny
Wednesday 08 February 2012
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