Maintaining a work/life balance can sometimes be difficult for all of us, but in many cases those in the IT department have an even harder time separating themselves from their jobs. Their lives literally revolve around computers, tablets and phones and it may be difficult for them to pull themselves away. Over time, this can lead to higher rates of job dissatisfaction, burnout and employees who simply aren’t productive because they can’t find that balance.
While we all appreciate employees who put in extra time, it is important for employers to encourage a healthy work/life balance. Even if your employees don’t follow your lead, you’ll at least be trying to encourage them.
Offer Extra Time Off
One thing that all employees appreciate, no matter what department they work in, is extra time off. Instead of doing a monetary bonus program or offering special gifts for employees, turn it into a paid time off benefit. This lets employees get away and come back refreshed and ready to get back to work.
Paid time off is also a very powerful motivator. Start using it for rewards when your IT team gets a project done ahead of schedule. Since this is a very stressful line of work, your employees will definitely thank you for it!
Provide Other Benefits
Providing other benefits not only helps your employees balance their lives more effectively, it also positions you towards becoming an employer of choice. Think of creative things that you can do for your employees, like offering on-site fitness centers, dry cleaning or even a free café for employee lunches. Little things like this make working for your company a joy rather than a hardship. Don’t have room to offer on-site benefits? Get creative and network with a local gym to get a cut-rate on gym memberships and offer these free to your employees.
You can also provide other benefits like free lunch cards, or organize family gatherings that encourage company team spirit and include spouses and children. Offering a wellness program is another great way to help encourage employees to take care of themselves.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to let your employees know that they are important to you and you want them to be happy, healthy and productive in all areas of their lives.
Do you have a question about managing your IT employees? Let the experts at ContemporaryStaffing help you today!