According to the OECD report, Poles work as many as 1,928 hours a year, which places our nation in 7th place out of 35 countries associated in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Meanwhile, longer working time does not always go hand in hand with better results, and often causes fatigue, a decrease in motivation and satisfaction with the duties performed. That is why more and more companies are interested in the concept of work-life balance and wonder how to implement it in their company.

Work-life balance is a state of balance between private and professional life. It is an idea that assumes that in the life of each of us there should be a place for professional and personal development, family life, social life and entertainment. Work-life balance enables the achievement of goals in line with our values ​​and expectations. If it is skillfully implemented, it increases satisfaction with life, supporting our efficiency on the one hand, and effective rest on the other.

Do Poles manage to maintain work-life balance? Not necessarily, as the World Values ​​Survey shows. When Poles compare work with time spent on rest, it turns out that they attach much more importance to professional duties. 64.2% of Poles consider work to be important, while only 38.3% of respondents have a similar opinion about rest.

Work-life balance – 5 examples of companies’ activities:

• The organization responsible for the Scottish judicial system struggled with high turnover among women who found it difficult to reconcile work and private life. The Scottich Court Services has therefore put in place a mother-centred system. And so, women employed in SCS have flexible working hours, co-financing of childcare (reimbursement of part of the costs related to tuition fees in a nursery, kindergarten) or additional parental leave (for special occasions, e.g. when a child graduates from school). In addition, the company organizes collections and provides financial support to families who bring up a disabled child.
• Lothian and Borders Police is a police organization that has faced several challenges: improving staff skills and engagement, simplifying external procedures and reducing the number of employee complaints. As part of work-life balance, a flexible work model was implemented in the organization, consisting of, among others:
  • adapting work to individual expectations (employees can work longer, but for fewer days);
  • the possibility of temporarily resigning from some of the duties assigned to a given position;
  • introduction of leaves related to sports achievements;
  • option to take sabattical, i.e. unpaid leave to be used for any purpose (travel, rest).
• Even the best organized work environment is not free from conflicts, temporary organizational problems or internal tensions. To support employees in their fight against stress, the Institute of Aviation has implemented the Workplace Options program. It gives you the opportunity to consult a psychologist or therapist over the phone. Employees can consult a specialist while maintaining full anonymity – during the conversation they only provide the company code. This helps them deal with difficulties in both professional and private life.
• Out of concern for the health and well-being of employees, CEMEX Polska implements a comprehensive program in the field of preventive health care. It includes various types of actions (e.g. OHS and Health Days) in which the employee can take part with his entire family. In addition, the company organizes interactive training and health workshops tailored to the needs of various groups, e.g. women or people aged 50+. CEMEX POLSKA encourages active monitoring of one’s health through check-ups, adherence to the principles of proper nutrition, and promotes the principles of mental health by involving experts in presenting methods of coping with stress.
• Time after work should be free time, intended for rest, pursuit of hobbies or meetings with friends and family – this was the assumption of Danone, introducing the possibility of using postal and courier services at the workplace. Thanks to this option, employees can receive and send parcels without queues at the post office and without worrying about whether they will be able to return home before the courier rings the doorbell.

Source:https://upacjenta.pl/poradnik/jak-taking-o-work-life-balance-w-firmie-5-inspirujacych-przykladow?adgroupid=?network=x?creativ=?position=&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4NujBhC5ARIsAF4Iv6fstawVi1hHAv8gaSWhH9w-c0AJPbbtbIsC0vml- xsLbQbaL2ocFQEaAl_uEALw_wcB

Supported by Norway through Norway Grants 2014-2021, in the frame of the Programme “Social Dialogue – Decent Work”.