Employees today spend more time managing their email (49 minutes per day) than playing with their children (25 minutes per day), according to a UK survey.
Further studies show this phenomenon is not exclusive to the UK. It is a global trend and working environment in South Africa proves to be no exception. Employees here are increasingly struggling to find the time to accommodate work and personal issues.
“Employers are finding that escalating demands on employees are taking their toll, resulting in increased disengagement in the workplace that is costing companies dearly,” says Cleoné Bakker, Head: New Business of Private Label Promotion (PLP), a leading provider of HR solutions.
Forbes Magazine in the US recently reported that this cost takes various forms, ranging from an increase in absenteeism because staff take time off to manage personal issues, to a reduction in staff engagement. This, in turn, has a negative impact on productivity, customer service ratings and income generation.
Employees are now looking to their employers to help them manage these demands from a work as well as a health and wellness perspective.
“Run-of-the mill employee programmes no longer suffice. An integrated, holistic approach is required that incorporates excellent HR benefits, comprehensive wellness assistance and a work/life balance solution that delivers real support and tangible benefits,” says Bakker.
Providing staff with practical assistance services that relate to all spheres of their lifestyle reduces stress levels and results in a happier workplace. Motivated, engaged employees contribute significantly to innovation, productivity and customer satisfaction.
Positive results
“PLP has been in the business for 18 years and we’ve monitored international trends to enable us to provide a holistic solution that benefits an employee’s entire family by saving them time and money, providing them with emergency services as well as financial and legal advice.”
“Our research shows organisations that create a work environment that fosters employee engagement are experiencing great results,” emphasizes Bakker.
Santam, winner of the 2009/10 Best Company to Work For Survey (Large Company Category), attribute their a large part of their success to the work/life balance programme that has been offered to staff.
Says Elsabé Van Der Nest, Santam’s Total Rewards Manager: “On average around 35% of our staff use these support services on a regular basis and our internal employee satisfaction surveys shows that they perceive real value in the programme.
“One of the most popular services is an on-site concierge desk with a dedicated driver who does collections and deliveries of a private nature for employees. This enables them to cope with their workload and personal errands without sacrificing their lunch times or taking days off to do personal chores.”
More employers are aligning their focus with this trend. During the first quarter of 2010, PLP signed up the South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC), the Universal Service & Access Agency of South Africa (USAASA) and tyre specialists, Dunlop South Africa.
“It is a clear indication that South African companies are beginning to realise that looking after their bottom line means looking after their staff first,” concludes Bakker.
