Working For Balance

Nature-Nurtured Ford

In the United Kingdom, Ford has taken a proactive approach to prioritize employee well-being, pioneering smaller initiatives that bring substantial impacts. A prime example is the creation of half-hour walking routes on the scenic grounds of Ford's Dunton campus. These routes encourage employees to take a rejuvenating break while promoting physical activity. Additionally, Ford has introduced the practice of conducting traditional one-on-one meetings outdoors, harnessing the power of nature and fresh air to create a safe space for employees to address their concerns.

The emphasis on fostering a work culture built on respect, collaboration, and destigmatizing mental health issues has yielded significant positive outcomes on team productivity. Recent developments include the appointment of a European senior leader as the company's mental health champion, working alongside MHFAiders® (Mental Health First Aiders). Ford has also introduced the Team Mood tool, an innovative employee sentiment tool that helps teams pinpoint areas for improvement, contributing to a harmonious and productive work environment.

Smart Office Well-Being

The Mediated Atmosphere project developed by MIT aspires to revolutionize workspaces by creating an intelligent office environment that adapts in real-time to enhance the well-being of its occupants. The project explores the manipulation of sensory elements within a space by utilizing a cutting-edge workspace prototype equipped with biosignal sensors, adjustable lighting, projection and sound systems.

By dynamically adjusting the ambiance of a workspace in response to occupants' activities and emotions, the technology aims to offer workers a more versatile and personalized environment. For example, if the system detects heightened stress, the room can emulate the tranquility of a forest stroll by dimming the lights and projecting a peaceful, scenic pathway. This innovative technology has the potential to support creativity, enhance focus and promote healthier routines and balance in individuals' lives.

Founded for Flexibility

The number of women-founded new businesses in the U.K. has more than doubled in the last five years, rising from 56,200 in 2018 to 151,603 in 2022, according to The Alison Rose Review of Female Entrepreneurship. Many women cite a desire for a better work-life balance a key motivator. In fact, 4 in 10 women entrepreneurs in the U.K. say that improving their work-life balance was their top reason for starting a business. In addition, nearly a third (30%) also said that being able to choose where they work motivated their decision-making, according to research conducted by Small Business Britain.

The Taskforce on Women-Led High-Growth Enterprises, launched by the U.K. government to support women entrepreneurs, aims to increase the number of female entrepreneurs to 600,000 by 2030. This initiative signals a promising future for more female-founded businesses and greater opportunities to achieve better work-life balance.

Balance and Beyond

Employees and employers alike are starting to view work and life as integrated, rather than as separate spheres. This shift in perspective has led to a greater emphasis on “work-life wellness”, with companies adapting their policies to reflect this symbiotic connection.

In fact, a 2023 survey by Gympass of over 5,000 employees in nine countries found that 95% of respondents say their emotional well-being impacts their productivity. And employees are acutely aware of the influence their workplace has on their overall well-being: 96% of employees “will only consider companies that place a clear emphasis on employee well-being when looking for their next job”—up 23 percentage points from 2022. (73%).

Employers are taking note of these trends and making changes. Qunar, a major travel platform in China, started piloting a hybrid work-from-home program in fall 2023. In a letter to staff, CEO Liu Lianchun explained, “Sitting at the office all day (for work) is already outdated, maybe we can integrate working, living, and traveling,” according to a report by online magazine Sixth Tone.