Redefining Work-Life Balance and Employee Wellbeing

As we pass the three-year mark since the Covid-19 pandemic began, it is evident that remote work is not just a temporary solution to a pandemic; it's a new normal of what it means to "go to work." Employees now view work-life balance as a holistic approach that allows for open communication with employers to address personal lives and create a desirable lifestyle.

Employees are also seeking benefits beyond flexibility, such as empathy, recognition, and access to health and wellness resources, to foster a healthy integration of work and life.
 

It's important to recognize that while remote work has its advantages, it may not be the ideal work environment for everyone. One of the most notable drawbacks is the lack of social interaction with colleagues, leading to potential feelings of loneliness and isolation. As individual lifestyles and priorities continue to vary, the concept of work-life balance may continue to evolve. The idea of how work and life coexist may also change in the future.

The April edition of Employee Benefits & Wellness Excellence features a range of informative articles that cover various topics related to employee well-being, workplace culture and the role of digital benefits administration platforms.

Appreciation at Work's Paul White in his article, A Snapshot Of Remote Employees’ Experiences And Perspectives presents a study of over 400 remote employees, exploring the benefits and drawbacks of remote work according to their experiences and perspectives. LIDBAIHT And Its Impact On Employee Wellbeing by meQuilibrium's Brad Smith discusses how workplace incivility affects employees and organizations, its prevalence, and how the right managers can prevent it. Momentive's Becky Cantieri in her article, Exploring The Myths And Realities Of Remote And In-Person Work As We Return To The Workplace, challenges common myths surrounding the future of flexible work arrangements as we return to the workplace. Matthew Kim of SureCo in his article, Digital Benefits Administration Platforms: Improving HR Processes delves into digital benefits administration platforms and how they can streamline HR tasks and reduce costs for employers.

In brief, remote work is not going anywhere, and the new era of work is an opportunity for us to include more rest throughout the day and structure our work in a way that promotes creativity and flexibility to have time to live. Have faith in your employees' ability to complete their tasks, even if they choose to approach it differently from the norm. Treat everyone with kindness and understanding, not just those who you deem to be top performers. It's important for everyone to work in an environment that respects them as individuals and acknowledges their holistic being.

We trust that the articles featured in this edition are useful and informative, and we appreciate any feedback or suggestions that you may have.

Happy Reading!