Work-Life Balance

Creating a balance between work demands and the healthy management and enjoyment of life outside work

The average worker spends 50.2 hours in work-related activities per week. Just over half take work home to finish outside regular hours.
2012 National Study on Balancing Work and Caregiving in Canada

3.7 million workers in Canada go through a regular day feeling a high level of stress.
Statistics Canada, General Social Survey 2010

Healthy workplaces make good business sense

• Attract new employees
• Help to retain staff
• Improve morale
• Reduce sickness and absenteeism
• Increase production and satisfaction

Work factors

• Negative workplace culture
• Lack of control
• Relationships with colleagues
• Lack of clarity about roles and responsibilities
• Poor match of skills to the job
• Unreasonable demands
• Uncomfortable physical environment

10 tips for employers

• Treat all employees in a fair and respectful manner
• Assess the risks of work-related stress and take action
• Match the workload to workers' capabilities
• Design meaningful jobs that allow workers to use their skills
• Allow workers to have control and input as much as possible
• Clearly define roles and responsibilities
• Provide workers with the training, skills and resources they need
• Set schedules that are compatible with life outside the job
• Recognize workers’ results and skills
• Provide opportunities for social, wellness and volunteering activities

What workers can do

• Take breaks, even small ones
• Make to-do lists
• Unplug from technology once in a while
• Build downtime into your schedule
• Choose activities that positively impact your work or personal life