In today’s world, work stress is at unprecedented levels — The American Institute of Stress reports that an astounding 83% of workers in the United States suffer from job-related stress. Work-life balance isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a game-changer with benefits that extend to both employees and employers. So, why is work-life balance so important?
Creating a culture that prioritizes work-life balance can boost productivity, enhance mental and emotional health, and improve employee engagement and retention.
Read on to learn about the many benefits of work-life balance and discover actionable ways to prioritize health and wellness in your workplace.
Employer benefits of prioritizing work-life balance
If you’re not sold yet on why a healthy work-life balance is so important, keep in mind that employee well-being offers many strategic benefits for employers. Most companies that promote work-life balance see tangible results and enjoy long-term advantages — from business growth and outcomes to improved efficiency, productivity, and more. Focusing on work-life balance advantages is a win for you and your employees.
Increased productivity and performance
When employees find balance in their personal lives, they’re more likely to excel and thrive in and out of the workplace. After all, happy employees tend to be more productive workers. Employees who feel supported when trying to manage work and personal obligations are far more equipped to perform better when doing their jobs.
Some research shows that up to 85% of organizations that offer work-life balance opportunities, like remote work, experience higher productivity rates as a result. If you’re worried about the implications of remote workers, studies also show that remote and hybrid work models really don’t have a negative impact on productivity.
Reduced absenteeism
Stressed and overworked employees are at a higher risk of burnout, which often leads to increased absenteeism. Research consistently shows a strong connection between poor work-life balance and workplace absenteeism. By encouraging your employees to find structure and balance in their lives, you empower them to manage their responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed—reducing the likelihood of missed workdays.
Higher retention rates
It’s expensive to lose employees. There’s the cost of searching for a replacement, training a new hire, and the extra work others must put in during the interim after someone quits.
Promoting the benefits of work-life balance shows you care about your employees. It can help keep them satisfied and loyal, so they’re not searching for employment elsewhere. One effective employee retention strategy is offering flexible or remote options. In fact, a recent study conducted by Stanford University found that organizations that shifted from full-time in-office schedules to hybrid ones saw resignations fall by 33%.
Improved employee engagement and morale
Employees who have balance in their lives will naturally be more engaged and happier at work. They’ll begin every day with lifted spirits, refreshed and ready to do their job. Studies show that companies with family-friendly policies that encourage a healthy work-life balance have employees with improved attitudes and increased engagement.
Work-life balance benefits for employees
Prioritizing work-life balance rewards more than employers — employees benefit, too. Work-life balance advantages aren’t only about employees being happy at work, either. They safeguard mental and physical health, career satisfaction, and overall quality of life. When employees’ lives are out of balance, they’re more likely to be less productive, miss work, and leave their jobs.
Fortunately, supportive policies that encourage workers to pay attention to all areas of their lives can improve innovation, creativity, and contributions to an organization’s overall success.
Better mental and physical health
Chronic stress, depression, and anxiety are common in today’s workforce. A recent survey discovered that 76% of workers in the United States have 1 or more symptoms of a mental health condition, and 84% said their jobs contribute to the mental health challenges they face.
When mental health suffers, over time, it almost always takes a physical toll. Offering tools that promote mental and physical well-being will improve employees’ quality of life at work and home.
Improved job satisfaction and motivation
Most people who find balance in their personal and professional lives see a significant boost in job satisfaction and motivation. One survey found that work-life balance is in the top 5 factors that matter most to employees. When concerns are met, and balance is restored, most workers find they're motivated and able to enjoy their jobs again.
Greater work flexibility and personal time
One of the main reasons a healthy work-life balance is important is that it ensures people have time and resources to manage priorities unrelated to work. It means not allowing a job to dominate every aspect of an employee’s personal life. As people learn to prioritize balance, they’ll appreciate having more flexibility and personal time outside of work. Knowing they’re supported by leadership helps reduce any anxiety they might have about job security.
Work-life integration focuses on blending work and personal responsibilities in a way that feels seamless, giving employees the freedom to prioritize what matters most at any given moment. This approach can help employees feel more in control of their time, reducing stress and enhancing personal satisfaction.
Increased career longevity and growth
Work-life balance for employees helps prevent burnout and cultivates long-term success. Employees who trust that their organization supports them are more likely to stay in their roles. There’s a greater chance they’ll seek professional development opportunities with existing companies instead of looking for a new job. Employees who find the balance between their professional and personal worlds can sustain energy and creativity, which is crucial for a long and successful career.
Make the investment for your employees
You can invest in the well-being of your workers by fostering balance and supporting mental well-being. Your efforts will be a win-win for everyone. Employers see better retention rates, higher productivity, fewer absences, and a more resilient workforce. Employees feel supported, are more engaged, and have higher job satisfaction rates. Creating a workplace that values and promotes mental well-being and work-life balance boosts individual and organizational performance. It helps establish a healthy workplace culture that values and respects the needs of every employee.
A huge benefit of work-life balance is that it allows time for self-care, like seeking therapy to manage mental health or deal with personal issues. Talkspace offers accessible, affordable, and convenient online mental health support that helps employees learn to juggle everything they have to deal with in life.
Accessible online therapy and reliable mental health resources are key to helping employees overcome challenges and thrive both personally and professionally. Make mental health and work-life balance a priority for your team—it’s a powerful way to demonstrate your commitment to their well-being.
Contact Talkspace today to request a demo and learn more about creating a healthier, happier, and more balanced workplace.
Sources:
- The American Institute of Stress. 2025. “WORKPLACE STRESS - the American Institute of Stress.” January 7, 2025. https://www.stress.org/workplace-stress/. Accessed January 10, 2025.
- Zuckerman, Arthur. 2020. “79 Work-Life Balance Statistics: 2020/2021 Current State & Industry Practices.” CompareCamp. May 19, 2020. https://comparecamp.com/work-life-balance-statistics/. Accessed January 10, 2025.
- “Study Finds Hybrid Work Benefits Companies and Employees.” n.d. Stanford University. https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2024/06/hybrid-work-is-a-win-win-win-for-companies-workers. Accessed January 10, 2025.
- Ngwenya, Boinelo. 2023. “The Impact of Work-life Balance on Employee Absenteeism: An Empirical Study.” ResearchGate. December 2023. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/377018800_The_impact_of_work-life_balance_on_employee_absenteeism_An_empirical_study. Accessed January 10, 2025.
- Žnidaršič, Jasmina, and Mojca Bernik. 2021. “Impact of Work-family Balance Results on Employee Work Engagement Within the Organization: The Case of Slovenia.” PLoS ONE 16 (1): e0245078. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0245078. Accessed January 10, 2025.
- Donelan, Chloe. 2024. “Why Should Mental Health Be a Priority in the Workplace?” Imagine | Johns Hopkins University. November 20, 2024. https://imagine.jhu.edu/blog/2023/05/17/breaking-the-stigma-why-mental-health-should-be-a-priority-in-the-workplace/. Accessed January 10, 2025.
- “2021 Mental Health at Work Report | MindShare Partners.” n.d. Mindsharepartners. https://www.mindsharepartners.org/mentalhealthatworkreport-2021. Accessed January 10, 2025.
- Johnson, Richard. 2023. “What Makes or Breaks Employee Satisfaction Remains Intact.” Glassdoor. June 27, 2023. https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/satisfaction-drivers-remain-intact/. Accessed January 10, 2025.