15 Perks Employers Can Offer for Work-Life Balance

1. Rather than classifying the workweek as five days long, allow employees to work four 10-hour shifts. This schedule enables employees to have three days off each week instead of the typical two-day weekend.


2. When possible, incorporate a work-from-home policy. Offering this benefit even a few days per year can make a difference.


3. Make day care available to staff on-site or incorporate a benefit which would provide day care at a discounted rate.


4. Establish a deal with a local dry-cleaning service or even consider having one on-site.


5. Offer a tax preparation service benefit.


6. Offer free gift-wrapping services during the holidays and for special occasions.


7. Consider presenting high-performing employees with family vacation packages in addition to, or in place of, monetary bonuses.


8. Offer concierge services to help employees balance the many errands in life.


9. Offer scheduling of flextime, where employees can provide their input on their preferred work schedule (7 a.m. to 4 p.m., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.). If multiple employees request the same shift, offer a rotating schedule to satisfy everyone.


10. Offer seasonal hours, where employees can leave early on Fridays during certain seasons.


11. Make yearly anniversaries with the company an extra paid time off day to encourage employees to celebrate their tenure. This day off will also serve as a reminder that their employer cares.


12. Encourage employees to avoid checking their work e-mail and voice mail after the workday and on weekends, to separate work from their personal lives.


13. Allow employees to take a longer lunch, if they come in early or work later, to make up the missed time. This option will make it easier for staff to schedule appointments or run errands on their break.


14. Hold virtual meetings, so employees do not have to be on-site to attend.


15. Encourage employees to take frequent breaks to rehydrate and go to the restroom (at least once every two hours). This may seem unnecessary to address, but many busy people forget to take time out of the day for their personal well being.