Five Work-Life Balance Programs for Employees

ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES A DULL WORKPLACE...
So we've added a few affordable programs in our office for instant fun and camaraderie that develops the team in mind, body and spirit.

Here are five quick and easy HR projects that you can start in your company to encourage work-life balance and to develop your Employees.

Movie Nights

Although there's additional cost involved in holding movie nights, we find that it's well worth it. It gives everyone a chance to spend a little leisure time with co-workers and it gives our team something to look forward to.

Movie Nights are great for department get-togethers or companies with a lean team. It can be a free benefit for all or it can even be used as a reward for team performance. Some big companies have it on a larger scale. One of the biggest companies in the IT-BPO industry in the Philippines treats their employees to regular movie nights. They actually rent movie theaters for their employees for a few nights, like a premiere. Yes, they are lucky enough to have the budget for it. And best of all, they have their management's support.

DVD Club

If there's no budget for Movie Nights, a great alternative is to start a Video or DVD Club. In our office, we have a simple, self-regulating club wherein any employee can donate and borrow DVDs from the list for free. They can borrow 3 titles in any given time by filling up a borrower's log and they must return them for inventory checking by the end of the month. Just a way to help people relax and unwind in the comfort of their own home with their families.

Sports Club

Most people with desk-bound jobs more often than not have sedentary lifestyles. And as we know, this lack of physical activity cause stiff muscles, slower metabolism and the big O---obesity. Having elevators in the office does not help us to become healthier either.

So from time to time, you can organize sports days or even sports festivals. If your company has the facilities, you can even get volunteers to lead the Sports Club. All you need are a few balls, rackets, water and willing souls.

Company Library

Meanwhile, for employees who aren't really into sports but are more into books, you can create own your Company Library wherein employees can donate and borrow books. For our company, we've manage to collect many personal and professional development books, crafts books, cookbooks and marketing books that any of our employee can read. And very much like the DVD Club, we've set it up so that it is self-regulating. For companies with a small group of employees, self-regulation works. For big companies, you may have to assign someone to regulate your library.

Bible Study

Purely voluntary and optional, we have allowed a group of our employees to conduct bible study in our company premises outside office hours. Although our employees belong to different religions, they are generally Catholics and Christians, so there are common grounds in terms of teachings. In our company, praying together and respecting each others' religion (without necessarily arguing about religious beliefs) is encouraged for spiritual growth.

Okay, this may be a bit controversial. That's why I placed it at the end. Bible studies may cause some conflict if there are differing and passionate views about religion. It is not for everyone. You have to take into account your company's culture, as well as the sensitivities of people. So only do this if everyone is okay with it. If not, do not force it.

For more ideas about programs and projects that you can start for your company, you may read books or talk to fellow HR practitioners at HR Club Philippines.

>>> Jhoanna O. Gan-So is the president and head of research and development for Businessmaker Academy. She is an educator, entrepreneur, marketing communication specialist and HR practitioner. Together with her husband, Mark So, she is committed to helping people improve their personal, professional and financial lives.