This National Work Life Week, which runs from tomorrow (2) until Friday (6), Weymouth-based business Rely Ltd – HR & Training is urging employers and employees to prioritise their work-life balance, making them more productive, creative and avoiding the pitfalls of a ‘toxic’ environment.

Managing director Nicky Cooksley said: “Having a good work - life balance brings significant benefits to both employer and employee. 

“Employees who are refreshed and not subjected to continuing pressures of work will be more creative and productive. Absenteeism due to stress related matters is also likely to be much lower.”

She added: “This means the work force will be more productive and invested in the company and that’s better for business.”

Mrs Cooksley added that HR guidance can help ensure employers understand the legislation surrounding working hours, breaks and rest periods, as well as various options for working including flexi-time and home working.

The signs of a ‘toxic’ workplace include high absenteeism, high staff turnover and poor work quality or productivity, Mrs Cooksley said.

So, this National Work Life Week, what can workplaces and employees do to achieve balance?

Five top tips for businesses:
•         Encourage employees to take at least the minimum lunch break they are entitled to of 20 minutes.
•         Review overtime working and establish if it was really essential, and if likely to be ongoing, consider whether more staff should be recruited. 
•         Make sure employees take their full holiday entitlement.
•         Avoid disturbing or contacting employees outside of working hours or whilst they are on holiday, unless there is an emergency.
•         Review the company culture towards working hours.

Five top tips for employees:
•         Take at least the minimum lunch break.
•         Remember to allow for interruptions and unanticipated events when planning tasks for any given work day.
•         Attach value and importance to spending time with loved ones.
•         Learn to relax and switch off from work.
•         Don’t check emails or contact work colleagues or clients when on holiday or outside of normal working time.

To join the conversation around National Work Life Week use #WorkLifeWeek on social media.