As any entrepreneur will
attest, perhaps the most difficult tasks in running a business are attracting,
retaining and supporting a strong workforce.Common solutions to
this problem come in the form of sweet perks, designed to showcase a
company’s commitment to work-life balance.Employers should aim for personalized
fulfillment, based on the flexibility of giving each employee
the work environment he or she needs. It’s about providing a challenging
and engaging environment in which employees are empowered to take matters into
their own hands. The feeling of balance, if reachable, is about granting
employees control over how they work.
Although perks are abundant in
startups - especially in Silicon Valley perks' underlying nature is
what actually keeps workers from being fulfilled and comfortable at work.For
one, the perks are presented as extras and not as normal aspects of a
person’s job, erring on the side of work and not life. For
example, free, daily lunch actually prevents people from leaving the office,
getting fresh air and supporting local businesses.
Unlimited vacation time or
work-from-home days have long been favored by many as an opportunity to achieve
work-life balance, but often its subjection to manager discretion makes
employees hesitant to take full advantage of this perk.Working from home, in
fact, leads to longer hours for
most employees, when compared to those who don’t - usually because
they feel like they could work more or that they slacked off.
Yes, it can be a great option
for workers, who need to be at home more often, such as parents or
people with long commutes. But just as many employees
likely prefer to come into the office everyday due to roommate
situations, lack of infrastructure or just a desire to be with the team. Since
the founding of Highwire Public Relations, I have placed a premium on making it
a place in which all of our employees feel happy and fulfilled.
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