The following information is from an interview with Molly Kelley, Human Resource Business Partner at Xenium.
Work/life balance used to be a hot term that only cutting edge companies like Google, Microsoft and Zappos were able to offer. Nowadays, rather than being viewed as a competitive perk that top notch companies provide, flexible work arrangements that support an employee’s personal and work life have become a standard expectation amongst all generations in the workplace.
The term has been updated from work-life balance to work-life blend with the idea that it’s impossible to live a perfectly balanced life. Instead, employees  proactively manage the priorities of a busy lifestyle with the responsibilities of work in an increasingly technological world where work can easily follow us home. Managers are in a position to promote a healthy lifestyle and work-life blend by encouraging conversation around the following topics.
Family – Most employees appreciate the importance of their family being acknowledged by their manager. Offset the idea that people have to leave their personal life outside of work by providing them opportunities to talk about their family. Employees who easily share stories of their family life appreciate coworkers who comfortably and authentically do the same, as well as those coworkers who retain details about their family life. It seems like a small thing, but recalling a coworker’s family names and details can be very meaningful. Seeing people as a part of a broader whole (their family and community) is crucial to creating a better manager-employee relationship and allows the employee to feel supported if a family emergency or challenge arises.
Interests – Employees should feel like they can come into work as a whole person rather than having to bury their personal interests once they walk into the door. Encourage employees to connect with one another to find common interests and build relationships which contribute to the overall culture of the company. Consider programs such as LifeBalance which provides employees with discounted prices on various events and activities they may be interested in, or set up an Employee Satisfaction Committee to organize group events. When managers are aware of an employee’s interests they are able to recognize and reward them in more meaningful ways. Keep track of your employees’ interests with this About Me Form.
Vacation – How managers handle vacation time within their team is as important as how much time the company allows. Many studies show that most Americans have plenty of vacation time available – yet employees aren’t using it. Managers need to look at how they are preparing teams and employees to take time off by planning adequate coverage so that they feel at ease during their time off rather than the need to be connected at all times.
Stress – As a manager, lead by example and admit that we can only get so much done in a day. When a manager works extra-long hours, arriving early and staying late, it sends the message that that is a necessary lifestyle to achieve success, which is unhealthy and not realistic for most. An effective method in managing employee’s stress levels is to have a discussion around resources available for stress relief, and ensure your team that they are not expected to take work home with them. If stress is having a negative impact on their life, work with them to come up with a plan or refer them to outside resources such as EAP.
Health – When employees are significantly stressed at work and home, their health is likely to suffer. Companies are now managing employee health through wellness programs to encourage exercise, balanced nutrition, and proper sleeping patterns. Even without a formal program, it’s important for managers to proactively promote these healthy habits.
Community – Many employees find satisfaction in giving back to the community. Allowing and encouraging time off to participate in these activities can really fill someone up.
The importance of a balanced lifestyle should be emphasized in your company values and communicated frequently by management. Employees who feel that they have the flexibility and support from their manager that they need for a healthy work-life blend are likely to be happier, healthier and more engaged.
Get a pulse of your employees’ stress level with this Work-Life Blend Quiz!

Work-Life Blend Quiz

Family
I often avoid or cancel plans with family and friends to work late. T or F

My family and friends complain that I don’t spend enough time with them. T or F

Interests
When walking into work I feel like I have to hide my interests and hobbies. T or F

I no longer participate in activities that I used to enjoy because I don’t have the time. T or F

Vacation
I am reluctant to take vacation even though I have the paid time off available. T or F

Even when on vacation, I find myself checking my work email and answering work calls. T or F

Stress
I frequently think about work after hours. T or F

I wake up in the middle of the night thinking about my to do list for work. T or F

Health
I find that I don’t have the time or energy to exercise on a regular basis. T or F

I rarely get the recommended seven hours of sleep. T or F

Community
Although I enjoy giving back to the community, I don’t have the time to do so. T or F

*If you answered True to any of these questions, talk to your manager about how you can create a better work/life blend.