Cell-phones, emails and video conferences have made it increasingly difficult to leave work at the office. The result is that employees feel physically fatigued and mentally exhausted increasing the chances of disengagement.
According to our research, 40% of Indian employees work more than 45 hours a week!
In a multi-touch environment, the danger lies in unconsciously moving from flexible working practices to an “always on” culture. People fall into the habit of grazing through work outside office hours - which can lead to heightened levels of stress.
Are Indian employees overworked?
Our research revealed that 1 in 2 women and 3 in 5 men work more than 40 hours per week. Long working hours and highly stressful jobs not only hamper the ability to harmonise work and family life but also bring health risks.
How millennials in India perceive their work schedules
Increasing emphasis on a healthier work-life balance with less stress and more time for oneself is evident from what the millennials said about their work schedules.
Our research reveals that an average millennial works 38 hours a week and 3 in 5 millennials said that given a choice, they would love to prefer to stick to their current work schedule.
Our research also revealed that 50 percent Indian employees would prefer a standard hours work week, (especially production workers), while 37 percent preferred variable hours every workday. The growing importance of work-life balance is clearly evident. The question is, what should organisations do to address this concern?
Towards a more meaningful work-life balance
What we really need to change in work-life balance is to have more meaningful work - and more people having more social support. Organisations can create such balance by:
- Maintaining structural consistency
- Offering community engagement opportunities
- Allowing schedule flexibility
- Engaging in team-building exercises
- Emphasising on the importance of health & wellness
Striking the perfect balance between career and family has always been a challenge. While it is the primary responsibility of employees to find this balance for themselves, organisations need to give a helping hand, too.
Encouraging employees to be self-aware about their own personalities and tendencies is something organisations must practice. Organisational policies, communication and culture will need to emphasise the importance of continually assessing one’s goals to determine what brings satisfaction, inner peace, and balance.
Building a sustainable high performance culture
Studies indicate that employees with greater control and ownership over their lives have better relationships with employers and are more motivated. This increases organisational productivity and reduces conflicts at the workplace.
Further, organisations that promote a healthy work-life balance gain a positive reputation and brand image – this helps in attracting the best talent.
yeshab giri
chief commercial officer - staffing & RT professionals
yeshab is responsible for leading the development and expansion of randstad India’s value added staffing services which currently encompass field force, engineering and technology roles.