Finding Work-Life Balance For Your Employees: A Preventive Care Power Move
9 Minutes
Team Curative
Jul 16, 2024
Balancing work and life can be a real juggling act for your employees. Between meetings, deadlines, family time, self-care, and personal hobbies, it can feel like there aren't enough hours in the day. While balancing these aspects helps prevent burnout and promotes overall well-being, a newer concept, “work-life integration,” emphasizes seamlessly blending work and personal life, rather than compartmentalizing them. It’s an approach that recognizes flexibility and adaptability are crucial in today’s dynamic work environment.
As an employer, incorporating flexible and comprehensive health coverage, including telemedicine options, into your preventive care plan can help you find that sweet spot. Let’s find out how.
But first, about American employees…
Americans are known for their strong work ethic, often prioritizing work over personal life. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American works approximately 34.4 hours per week, but many professionals work significantly more, with 11% of employees working over 50 hours per week — an intense focus on work resulting in a noticeable decline in personal time. A new Gallup study revealed Americans are reporting record-low levels of satisfaction with their lives, a decline that some contribute to the rise in “hustle culture.”
Just look to popular forms of entertainment for a reflection that perpetuates this unbalanced approach to work and life. Movies like The Devil Wears Prada highlight the demanding nature of work, where long hours and personal sacrifices are seen as necessary for career advancement. TV shows like Suits depict characters deeply entrenched in their professional lives, often at the expense of their personal relationships. Music, too, often touches on this theme (Dolly Parton’s "9 to 5,” anyone?). It’s an interesting dichotomy where the media glorifies overwork while also critiquing it.
This cultural ambivalence towards work-life balance is also reflected in real-life attitudes. Many millennials and Gen Z workers say their jobs are important to their identity. But there's also a growing pushback against this mindset, with younger generations increasingly prioritizing work-life balance, mental health, and preventive care. The COVID-19 pandemic put a spotlight on these issues, leading to more discussions about flexible work arrangements and the importance of personal time.
How does a healthy work-life balance impact your employees’ mental health?
The numbers don’t lie. A healthy work-life balance is essential for maintaining your mental health. It contributes to what the surgeon general calls “work-life harmony,” which is “the integration of work and nonwork demands through the human needs of autonomy and flexibility.” In short, work-life equals the control one has over the “how, when, and where” one does their work. The results from The American Psychological Association (APA)’s study were pretty astounding:
81% of respondents reported being either very (42%) or somewhat (40%) satisfied with their control over how, when, and where they do their work.
79% of those satisfied with their level of control reported good or excellent overall mental health, compared to only 44% of those unsatisfied with their level of control.
32% of those satisfied with their level of control said their work environment negatively impacts their mental health, compared to 62% of those unsatisfied.
Employees with a balanced work-life relationship experience lower stress levels and higher job satisfaction. Those lacking balance? They experience increased stress, which can lead to anxiety and depression. Not only does work-life harmony lead to better self-care, but it also makes for more engaged and productive employees.
Flexibility is a key factor for employees’ work-life balance
Another significant contributor to achieving work-life balance or harmony is flexibility, which means how easily employees can adjust work hours, locations, and schedules to accommodate their personal needs. Studies emphasize that flexible work arrangements contribute to improved health and productivity. Workers who lack this flexibility are more likely to report negative impacts on their mental health. The APA’s report also highlights that 67% of workers without flexibility experience adverse mental health effects, compared to 23% who do have flexible work options.
You can foster flexibility in your workplace in a variety of ways:
Remote work and digital nomadism: The rise of remote work has allowed employees to balance their professional and personal lives more effectively. Platforms like Zoom and Slack have facilitated this shift, enabling workers to manage their schedules better. It’s a trend reflected in the increase of digital nomads—individuals who leverage technology to work from anywhere in the world. The flexibility to work from different locations provides a refreshing change of scenery and allows for greater work-life integration. According to a Buffer report, 97% of remote workers would recommend remote work to others, citing improved mental health and work-life balance as key benefits.
Flexible hours and hybrid work models: Companies are increasingly adopting flexible and hybrid work models, allowing employees to choose when and where to work. The result? Parents have more time with their children, caregivers can better manage their responsibilities, and individuals can pursue their personal interests. A Harvard Business Review article notes how hybrid work models have increased job satisfaction and lowered employee stress levels.
Focus on preventive care, mental health, and wellness programs: Many organizations now offer wellness programs that include mental health days, fitness memberships, and access to counseling services. This cultural shift acknowledges the importance of mental health in the workplace. For example, companies like Google and Microsoft provide extensive wellness programs that support employees’ mental and physical health, contributing to a more balanced and productive workforce.
Flexible, preventive care plans can support your employees’ work-life balance
Flexible healthcare plans, including telemedicine and telehealth services, support your employees’ work-life balance. Telemedicine allows healthcare providers to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients remotely using technology like video calls or chats, phone calls, secure messaging systems, or remote monitoring devices. It’s a fantastic way to empower your employees. Here’s how it can help:
Convenience: You can talk to your doctor from home or work, saving travel time and reducing the need to take time off.
Flexibility: With 24/7 access, you can get medical advice whenever it fits your schedule.
Reduced stress: Quickly addressing health concerns can ease your mind.
Time savings: Virtual visits often have shorter wait times than in-person appointments.
Better health management: Regular check-ins with your doctor can help manage chronic conditions and keep you healthier overall.
How can Curative help your employees achieve that elusive “balance”?
At Curative, we get it—balancing work and life is tough. That's why our health insurance plans are designed to put people first and make it easier for your employees to find balance while benefiting your organization:
24/7 telehealth access: Employees can talk to a healthcare provider anytime, anywhere. No more waiting rooms!
$0 copays and deductibles: Yep, you read that right. We remove financial barriers so your team can get the care they need without worrying about the cost.
Care Navigator support: Our Care Navigators help employees navigate their health benefits and connect them with the right care.
Baseline Visit: The visit can be conducted virtually and usually takes 30-45 minutes. It's an opportunity to discuss health goals and develop a tailored preventive care plan.
Why Employers Love Curative:
Increased productivity: With 24/7 access to healthcare, employees can address health issues promptly, reducing downtime and ensuring they stay productive.
Reduced absenteeism: Telemedicine allows employees to consult with doctors without taking time off work, leading to fewer sick days and better attendance.
Cost savings: $0 copays and deductibles lower the overall healthcare costs for both employees and employers, providing financial relief and better budget management.
Employee satisfaction: Offering comprehensive health benefits, including telehealth services, boosts employee morale and job satisfaction, which can lead to higher retention rates.
Healthier workforce: Regular preventive care and easy access to healthcare services contribute to a healthier, more engaged, and resilient workforce.
Compliance and support: Care Navigators help employees navigate their health benefits and ensure compliance with preventive care guidelines, reducing administrative burdens for HR departments.
Finding a balance between work and life is crucial for your team’s well-being, and telemedicine can play a big role in achieving that balance. At Curative, we're committed to supporting your organization with innovative health insurance solutions that put people first. Ready to learn more about how Curative can help your employees achieve a better work-life balance?
Visit Curative’s website to explore our plans and services.
To see all disclaimers, please view here.
Resources
American Psychological Association. (n.d.). APA Style. https://apastyle.apa.org/
Buffer. (2023). State of remote work 2023. https://buffer.com/state-of-remote-work/2023
Coursera. (n.d.). Work-life balance: What it is and 5 ways to improve yours. https://www.coursera.org/articles/work-life-balance
Gratton, L. (2021, May-June). How to do hybrid right. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2021/05/how-to-do-hybrid-right
Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Benefits of telemedicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/benefits-of-telemedicine
Jacobs, J. (2019, July 11). A cup of ambition and endurance: '9 to 5' unites workers across decades. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2019/07/11/738587297/a-cup-of-ambition-and-endurance-9-to-5-unites-workers-across-decades
Kluger, J. (2023, July 13). Americans are less satisfied with their lives. Newsweek. https://www.newsweek.com/americans-are-less-satisfied-their-lives-1868560
Lufkin, B. (2020, January 13). The Devil Wears Prada is full of career lessons — if you know where to look. HuffPost. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/devil-wears-prada-career-lessons_l_5e1c9247c5b6640ec3d85d41
Molla, R. (2023, August 16). A CEO explains why companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft are researching worker health and wellness. Fast Company.
Nania, R. (2023, June 28). How does telemedicine work? WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/covid/how-does-telemedicine-work
Nesbitt, A. (2023, July 28). US work hours fall, signaling a return to normal for the labor market. S&P Global Market Intelligence. https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/latest-news-headlines/us-work-hours-fall-signaling-a-return-to-normal-for-the-labor-market-76497724
Patel, S. Y., Mehrotra, A., Huskamp, H. A., Uscher-Pines, L., Ganguli, I., & Barnett, M. L. (2021). Trends in outpatient care delivery and telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic in the US. JAMA Internal Medicine, 181(3), 388-391.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8004082/
Syme, R. (2023, July 5). Suits: Why to watch. Time. https://time.com/6303530/suits-netflix-why-to-watch/
TEDx Talks. (2015, April 16). The way we work isn't working: Tony Schwartz at TEDxMidwest [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeXntM0gCEA
