Supporting Work-Life Balance: A Guide for Supervisors

We all have multiple roles in life. We might be workers, partners, family members, friends, community leaders, or have other roles. Having multiple roles is enriching and fulfilling, but conflicting responsibilities can lead to overload.

As a supervisor, you can foster a work environment with positive balance, where employees are supported to manage the demands of personal life, family, and work. Good balance in the workplace benefits both employer and employees.

This includes lunch, vacation, sick leave, paid time off, parental leave etc. Demonstrate this by taking your breaks as well.

Why this Matters: Have you ever been in a workplace where everyone knows they’re entitled to breaks but rarely takes them? Often, the culture of constant busyness overshadows the policy, leaving breaks ignored. Leaders play a crucial role in shifting this dynamic by leading through example—taking their own breaks and being mindful not to assign tasks that encroach on these important moments of rest. That way workers can truly benefit from breaks.

Monitor overtime and seek feedback from your employees. Ensure that work plans are realistic and sustainable. Model healthy balance in your own work hours.

Why this Matters: Time is a finite resource, especially when it comes to supporting clients and delivering services. Employees who have control over their time and actively contribute to shaping their work plans are better able to maintain a healthy balance. In contrast, those with little autonomy over their schedules are more prone to burnout and imbalance, which ultimately impacts their productivity and well-being.

Give people choice in shifts, aim to keep employees’ shifts consistent, and provide advance notice of changes.

Why this Matters: Shift workers often face disruptions to their circadian rhythm, which can negatively affect both mental and physical health. Consistent schedules give the body a better chance to adapt, promoting overall well-being and reducing health risks associated with irregular shift work.

Examples include working from home or allowing modified work hours. Flexibility shows employees that their organization values their efforts to balance work with other aspects of their lives. This consideration can boost employee engagement, improve morale, and increase retention by fostering a sense of loyalty and support. Provide opportunities for employees to learn ways to balance work-life demands. Encourage use of available resources such as Employee Assistance Programs, learning sessions on resiliency and coping skills, childcare and eldercare services.

Why this Matters: Encouraging employees to use these resources may seem simple, but it can have a significant impact on their well-being. Offering training, such as the Wellness Exchange Program with CSSHSA, equips employees with evidence-based coping strategies to handle challenges effectively. To access the Wellness Exchange Program for free, click the link in the resources section.