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Work-Life Balance - A Recruitment Tool for SMEs

Work-life balance is increasingly a significant factor influencing job seekers' decisions. As employees prioritise their well-being and new ways of working since Covid, organisations  prioritising work-life balance have a competitive edge in attracting and retaining top talent. The potential of highlighting work-life balance in the recruitment process for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is huge.

Why Work-Life Balance Matters

Work-life balance refers to the equilibrium between professional responsibilities and personal life, allowing individuals to meet their personal needs without compromising on their work commitments. It is a crucial aspect of employee satisfaction and well-being. Recent studies have shown that  NHS employees leaving due to poor work-life balance has trebled between 2011 and 2021, having far reaching and long lasting consequences for the service. It is in employers’ best interests to avoid this and cater for the needs of their employees. When employees have a healthy work-life balance, they experience reduced stress levels, improved mental health, increased productivity, and higher job satisfaction.This, in turn, positively impacts their overall performance and loyalty towards the organisation. In small to medium enterprises with relatively small teams this can have huge implications for the overall performance and culture of the organisation. In today's competitive job market, retention is as crucial as recruitment. Employees who feel supported in achieving work-life balance are more likely to stay with an organisation. SMEs can leverage this by cultivating a positive work culture prioritising work-life balance and higher retention rates.
Investing in work-life balance is not just a perk; it is a strategic decision that fosters a thriving workforce.

Tips to Support Well-being in SMEs:

    1. Encourage Flexible Schedules: Flexible hours or remote working options, allow employees to better manage their personal obligations while meeting work requirements and achieve a better work-life balance.
    1. Foster a Positive Work Culture: Cultivate a supportive work environment valuing work-life balance, discourage excessive overtime, recognise and appreciate employees' efforts to maintain work-life balance.
    1. Provide Wellness Initiatives: Introduce wellness programmes, mental health resources, or on-site fitness facilities to demonstrate ongoing commitment to employee well-being.
    1. Encourage Time Off: Encourage employees to take their holidays. Avoid fostering a culture that discourages breaks or rewards excessive working hours. Encourage work-life integration rather than work-life imbalance.
    1. Recognise the Individual: Parents needing holiday time off, carers, and religious observance can all be planned for and recognised in a supportive flexible way.

Work-Life Balance As A Recruitment Tool:

Candidates actively seek organisations prioritising work-life balance. By highlighting this aspect in job adverts, SMEs can position themselves as desirable employers, attracting a larger pool of qualified candidates.

Communicating Work-Life Balance In Job Adverts

It is essential to emphasise the organisation's commitment to work-life balance for its employees. Job seekers are now searching for terms such as ‘best work life balance jobs’ in a bid to secure the lifestyle they want. Companies can position themselves as a great employee in their adverts through a range of simple strategies:

Highlight Soft Benefits

Alongside job responsibilities and compensation, highlighting the work life balance of a role is crucial. Key words and phrases such as “work-life balance”, "flexible working hours," or "supportive company culture" showcase an organisation's commitment to work-life balance. Detailing unique soft benefits can help your ideal candidate find you, as well as being a very powerful reflection activity.

Showcase Employee Testimonials

Testimonials from current employees sharing their positive experiences with work-life balance in the organisation resonates with job seekers and clearly demonstrates a supportive environment. This can also be a great tool for highlighting the diversity and commitment to inclusivity in an organisation. Research shows that women are more likely to be affected by poor work-life balance since the pandemic, testimonials can help alleviate fears and offer concrete examples for candidates’ consideration. In today's evolving job market, work-life balance has become a key consideration for job seekers. SMEs that prioritise work-life balance as a recruitment tool gain a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining top talent. By effectively communicating work-life balance benefits in job adverts, SMEs can showcase their positive work culture, employee satisfaction, productivity, and loyalty whilst attracting the best candidates for their role. At Marmion Recruitment we step into your ideal candidate’s shoes when working with you. The result is a tailored, appealing campaign designed to attract the best candidates. Contact us to learn more today.
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