Why work-life balance has to play a part in your job advert

On average, there are 6242 jobs posted on InAutomotive every month. So the challenge to make your job advert stand out in a long list of mechanic or vehicle technician roles, for example, is tough.

Over the last few weeks we’ve shared tips on how to improve your job advert, and why including a salary range is essential if you want more job seekers to click through to your listing. Today, we’ll be looking at how discussing elements of work:life balance can be the difference between a candidate clicking and exiting, or applying for your job. 

Employee satisfaction

Almost 30% of the working population are unhappy at work, according to a study conducted by FMP Global. The lack of work:life balance plays a huge part in this. All work and no play, makes for a very exhausted employee. So when job seekers search for a new job, they want to know that their life at work will be more pleasant than what they’re dealing with currently. After all, we spend the majority of our lives working, so finding value and contentment in a job is important to most people.

This is where your job advert comes in. 

Job adverts that convert no longer consist of just the job description. They discuss benefits, perks and working conditions for example – all elements of a more positive working environment, which speaks volumes to job seekers. Being able to provide potential employees with a snapshot of what their life could be like at your company plays a big factor in whether they choose to move jobs or not. If they’re receiving very little work:life balance in their current role, they could get more satisfaction in a job with your business.

So what types of benefits promote a better work:life balance? 

Flexible working hours

With the technology available today, flexible working is an easier, but extremely valuable perk to incorporate. And it’s one of the most talked about benefits that is proven to improve work:life balance. Today, the demand for flexible working has never been higher. Employers are coming around to the idea that we all have lives that are sometimes stressful and jam-packed. Allowing your staff to come and go (within reason) or work from home has been proven to improve other areas of concern to business owners too, including:

• Reduced sickness levels
• A reduction in staff turnover
• Allowing people to work when they accomplish most
• Extended operational hours

Alternative working days

So many businesses still practice the age-old 9 to 5, Monday to Friday routine. Studies over the last couple of years, however, have produced an interesting argument that this process isn’t the most productive for your staff. Multiple organisations have begun testing four-day weeks with longer hours, with no work on a Friday. Think about it, if you found that doing work hours this way became more profitable and productive for your business, this could also be a perk that speaks volumes to potential applicants too – who doesn’t want a 3-day weekend? Imagine the reaction this would get – and if you can justify that this has improved productivity at work, then there’s no reason not to do it. 

Health incentives

Long work hours combined with lengthy commutes and sometimes manual labour can force employees to take their health for granted. Many businesses now offer a gym membership to help keep their staff moving (particularly if they’re in an office related role). Others offer yoga at lunch, although we appreciate that depending on your setting at work, activities like this may not always be possible! General incentives to encourage staff to stay healthy are a game changer though. Actual medical care is also appreciated, whether it’s paying a percentage of employee optical prescriptions or providing them with private healthcare.

Annual leave

In today’s world, where travelling and Instagramming everything you do is popular, employees are keen to take time away from work to do something worthwhile – they want to make their free time count. Offering a competitive amount of annual leave is a big winner for many people searching for a new job, and clear indicator of improved work:life balance. 

Career development

Employees today are ambitious, driven and want to continue learning. Being able to provide opportunities for them to improve will not only allow them to develop their career, but their new honed skills could also impact on your business directly. It’s very rare that a new employee walks in on their first day of work saying “I have all the skills I need”. We can all benefit from online courses, events, webinars and other classes to improve our skills, whether it’s how to attract more sales at your dealership, or improving a bigger priority, like leadership skills. Making these resources available to staff is essential if you want them to keep learning but also stay motivated at work. Particularly if you have your own plans for skilled workers – help them out with relevant qualifications and certifications. 

In addition to the above, smaller work perks that are seemingly valued by job seekers on InAutomotive include:

• Having fruit and other snacks available 
• A clean, modern working space
• Having games etc. at the office like a pool table, board games, TV and sound system
• Regular staff incentives
• Monthly or quarterly get together
• A positive work environment

How does my business benefit from offering these benefits?

The above seems like alot, but not everything can be done. Why not make small changes or ask current members of staff about their thoughts om improving work:life balance. Not only will small changes boost the morale of your current staff, you’ll attract more staff for offering a better experience at work. And you’ll have a much more positive and productive workforce who value their job, a stronger brand reputation and employer brand that attracts new talent easily, and better staff retention. You’ll also see a reduction in employee turnover, which, by the way, costs businesses around £16,000 per employee on average – a cost most businesses can’t keep absorbing.