In an era where work often cheekily invites itself to our weekend barbecues and holiday dinners, carving out a healthy work-life balance is becoming a bit of a puzzle for many of us. 

Surprisingly, or perhaps not so much, one in three employed Americans find themselves nodding along to conference calls instead of nodding off on a lazy Sunday afternoon. This peculiar trend has led to a whopping 66% of full-time workers feeling that the elusive work-life balance is, well, just that—elusive. 

And it seems management isn't really helping the common workplace issue with only 23% admitting that they promote a healthy work/life balance at their company. 

In our article, we're rolling up our sleeves to dive into actionable strategies and sprinkle in some fresh ideas, all in the hopes of helping ensure your team—and let’s not forget you—don’t just become another unwanted statistic. 

Let’s turn that work-life balance from a myth into a reality, with a smile!

29 ideas to promote a healthy work/life balance 

1. Flexible work hours

Let's shake things up a bit and introduce something everyone's going to love: flexible work hours. No more rushing in the mornings or missing out on important family moments. Your team gets to design their schedules in a way that makes sense for their lives outside of work. When you show that level of trust and flexibility, it comes back to you in spades — through a team that’s more motivated and productive. This idea allows the work-life jigsaw fit perfectly for everyone.

2. Remote work options

Remote work isn’t a new idea but it’s certainly something that shouldn’t be slept on. By giving the option of working remotely, you give your team the freedom to work in their favorite coffee shop or under their own roof, whilst still giving them the option to tend to day-to-day life tasks. 

With a laptop and a good internet connection, your team can conquer the working world and their own world from anywhere. It’s all about trust, clear goals, and staying connected. You’ll be amazed at how this flexibility can spark creativity and send employee satisfaction through the roof.

3. Four-day work week

Ever thought about how a three-day weekend could become the norm? With a four-day work week, we can make that dream a reality for your team. It’s a game-changer — offering that extra day off not only boosts low-morale but can lead to more focused and efficient work. Think of it as compressing the workweek without squeezing out the quality. In fact, recently, many countries have adopted this idea. Does it work? Well, according to statistics, after a 6 month trial of a 4 day working week in the UK, over 50% of companies who took part made the permanent switch a year later. 

4. Mental health days

Don’t we all want to work in a place where taking a day off for mental health is as normalized as taking one for a cold? That's the vibe we're aiming for. Encourage your team to listen to what they need and take a mental health day when the world seems a bit too heavy. No doctor's notes, no raised eyebrows — just genuine support. This openness can foster a more understanding and positive work environment, where everyone feels valued beyond their output.

5. No-email policy after hours

Here’s an idea: what if, after clocking out, your team could actually disconnect? That means no late-night emails or early-morning pings — just pure, uninterrupted personal time. Implementing a no-email policy after hours is like drawing a respectful line between work and home life. This approach not only respects personal time but also encourages everyone to be more present with their loved ones, leading to a more balanced and fulfilled team.

6. Paid parental leave

Welcoming a new family member is a beautiful, albeit hectic, time. Let’s make it a bit easier by offering generous paid parental leave for both moms and dads. By doing this, you’re providing the space and security for your team to bond with their newest members without the stress of financial pressure. It’s a way of showing that you support your team through all of life's major milestones. Such a policy reinforces the message that family comes first, laying the foundation for a compassionate and understanding workplace culture.

7. Childcare support

Let’s face it, juggling work and kiddos is no small feat. So, why not make it a tad easier for the superhero parents on our team? Offering childcare support, whether it's an onsite daycare or a sweet deal with a local provider, is that little bit of support that is very much needed. This is a sign we get the balancing act of work and family and are here to lend a hand. It’s your way of showing that you’re a family that supports each other in all aspects of life.

8. Wellness programs

How cool would it be if stepping away for a midday meditation or yoga session was just part of the day’s agenda? With wellness programs, that’s exactly what you could be aiming for. Think of it as your collective shout-out to the importance of health and well-being. Whether it's sweating it out in a fitness class or finding your zen, these programs are your way of putting well-being on the pedestal it deserves.

9. Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

Sometimes life throws us a curveball, and it’s okay to reach out for a bit of help to catch it. Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) are here just for that. It’s like having a safety net for those moments when things get a bit too much, whether it's at work or home. It’s about ensuring everyone knows there’s always someone to talk to, making our team stronger in numbers and in spirit too.

10. Sabbaticals

Think of sabbaticals as our big high-five to those who’ve stuck with you through thick and thin. It’s a chunk of time off to kick back and to dive into something new, like, fulfill a personal dream. Maybe it’s learning to paint, hiking across Spain, or simply enjoying a leisurely coffee every morning without the rush. It’s an idea that understands that everyone needs a deep recharge and a chance to pursue passions outside of work. Sabbaticals are our way of saying thanks for all the hard work, now go do something amazing for yourself.

11. Regular breaks

It’s time to make stepping away from the desk the new norm. Think about the last time you just zoned out for a bit and came back feeling more on the ball. That’s the magic we’re after. Whether it’s a quick walk, a moment to stretch, or a chat by the water cooler, these breaks keep employee burnout at bay and creativity at play. It’s about creating an atmosphere where employees can recharge their batteries at work, not just at home.

12. Team building activities

Team building is a great way of mixing a little play into your workplace. It’s stepping out of the office and into something completely different — maybe a day of outdoor adventures, a cooking challenge, or an escape room. These activities break the routine as well as weaving stronger connections between the squad. It should certainly be your top strategy for building a workplace where everyone feels part of something bigger, encouraging a vibe where everyone’s comfortable letting their hair down.

Like the idea of this but not sure how to make it happen?

There’s no denying it- organizing a team building activity can be a difficult process! Just sorting out the logistics alone is enough to put anyone off… So that’s where Surf Office comes in!

Surf Office has had the pleasure of organizing over 700+ retreat experiences, including remote teams, for many different companies. Here’s how what we offer:

• Stress-free transfers? We got you! ✅
• Quality-assured accommodations? Check! ✅
• Engaging team-building activities? Our speciality ✅
• Restaurant reservations? That's on us! ✅
• Expert retreat planning assistance? Of course, we have this covered! ✅
• Onsite support, tailored to your needs? Absolutely ✅

‍

Not only this but we also have access to 160+ locations around Europe, APAC, the US, Latin America and, now, Africa, meaning the sky is your limit when it comes to choosing the right location for you and your team.

Book now, spaces are limited!

13. Encourage vacations

We’re big on championing a solid work/life balance around at Surf Office and taking vacations plays a huge part in that. It’s crucial for everyone to disconnect and enjoy some real time off. That’s why we encourage everyone to take their vacation days and really unplug—no sneaky peeks at emails or “just checking in” on projects. Whether it’s lounging on a beach, exploring a new city, or just enjoying the peace of your backyard, it’s all about recharging those batteries. It’s a fantastic way of ensuring that when your team is at work, they’re bringing their best self, fueled by some quality downtime.

14. Meeting-free days

Picture a day with zero meetings. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it should be a reality at your place! Consider introducing meeting-free days to let everyone focus deeply on their work or catch up on tasks without the constant ping of meeting reminders. It’s a nod to the importance of deep work and its role in maintaining a healthy work/life balance. By giving everyone a breather from the meeting marathon, you’re acknowledging that sometimes, the best way to get work done is to have the freedom to tackle it their way.

15. Transparent communication

Transparent communication is about making sure your employees feel secure and in the loop, so you can focus on your work without unnecessary stress and have ample time for their personal life. Whether it’s sharing company news, project updates, or changes in policies, you can be committed to ensuring everyone feels informed and valued. This approach helps eliminate uncertainty, allowing the team to focus more on their work when they’re there and enjoy their time off when they’re not.

16. Flexibility for school events

Let’s make it easy for your team members to show up for their kids’ school plays or parent-teacher conferences. Offering flexible scheduling is a great way to support their family commitments, and it shows you value their life outside the office as much as their work. This kind of flexibility can seriously boost morale and loyalty. It’s a small adjustment that reaffirms your commitment to work/life balance, keeping your team happy and productive.

17. Job sharing options

The idea here is simple but powerful: job sharing. For those looking to work part-time without sacrificing the depth of their role, job sharing is a perfect solution. It allows two or more people to share the responsibilities and hours of a full-time job, offering a flexible approach to maintaining a career while also managing other life commitments. 

It’s about creating opportunities for your team to keep doing great work in a way that fits their  life, ensuring work/life balance is a staple part of their working life!

18. Time off for volunteering

Offering paid time off for volunteering is a great way of supporting the causes your employees are passionate about. It’s a chance to step out of the office and make a difference, whether it’s helping at a local food bank, cleaning up a park, or spending time with those who could use a friendly face. This initiative is about recognizing the value of community involvement and ensuring your squad has the time to contribute without worrying about missing a day’s pay. It’s about balancing work with the equally important work of building a better world around us!

19. Reduced summer hours

As the days get longer and the sun hangs around a bit more, we think it’s the perfect time to dial back the work hours. Introducing reduced summer hours gives everyone the chance to soak up some extra sunshine, dive into hobbies, or spend more time with family and friends. It could be your nod to the importance of recharging and enjoying life outside of work, especially when the weather’s on your side. This approach not only boosts morale but also keeps the team energized and motivated, ensuring a balance between making the most of summer and keeping projects moving forward.

20. Fitness reimbursements

We all know the importance of staying fit and healthy, but it comes at a cost; gym memberships can be expensive! Offering reimbursements for gym memberships or fitness classes can be the one less thing your employees have to worry about when they’re out of the office. Also, it’s a great way to recharge, refocus, and return to work full of energy.

21. Nutrition workshops

Organizing workshops on nutrition and healthy eating is all about giving your team the tools to make informed choices about their diet. Led by experts, these sessions aim to demystify nutrition, offering practical advice on crafting meals that boost energy, improve health, and fit into busy schedules. And we don’t mean the obvious nutritional facts, like eating fruit and veg every day, we mean insights into new research on new superfoods or combos. Having a healthy body and mind can go a long way in helping your team achieve a health work/life balance. 

22. Customizable benefits packages

Think of benefits packages like a buffet. As managers, let’s set up a spread where everyone can fill their plates with what suits their taste—or in this case, their life stage and needs. Whether it’s a hearty helping of health insurance, a scoop of retirement savings, or a dash of wellness programs, giving your team the freedom to choose makes all the difference. It shows you’re paying attention and care about what’s on their plate, not just yours. Tailoring benefits to individual needs can really be above and beyond the basics of employee expectations.

23. Social events

Here’s a thought: What if we made work feel a little less like, well, work? Throwing some social events into the mix is a great start. It’s about turning those water cooler moments into something more memorable. Maybe it’s a casual Friday barbecue, a bowling night, or just coffee out with the team. The goal is to let everyone kick back, laugh, and see each other in a different light. As a manager, jumping into the fun shows you’re part of the team, not just leading it. Plus, a team that plays together tends to stick together.

24. Support for continuing education

Encouraging your team to hit the books or dive into a new course isn’t just about ticking boxes for professional development. It’s about showing them you’re invested in their growth, both inside and outside the office. Offering the flexibility to juggle classes and work, plus chipping in with tuition, sends a powerful message: “We believe in you and your future.” It turns the job into a stepping stone, not a stopping point. So, let’s get behind our team’s ambitions, cheering them on and making it as easy as possible for them to grow, learn, and bring fresh energy back to the table.

25. Respect for public holidays

Letting everyone take off on public holidays is like our shout-out to the importance of kicking back and having a good time — or just catching some extra Zs. It’s a nod to the idea that life’s too short to miss out on those special moments or a much-needed breather. This move shows you’re serious about supporting a team that feels refreshed and valued, ready to dive back into work with a full tank.

26. Pet-friendly workplace

Introducing a pet-friendly policy is like hitting two birds with one stone — spicing up our workdays and easing the stress of finding pet care. Let’s face it, tracking down a reliable dog sitter or dealing with the guilt of leaving pets home alone can be a hassle, not to mention expensive. Allowing pets in the office offers peace of mind and slashes one more item off the worry list. It’s a big step toward supporting not just the work/life balance but the work/life/pet balance.

27. Limit overtime

Keeping an eye on overtime is our way of putting a premium on personal time. It’s recognizing that everyone needs a chance to log off and live life — hit the gym, cook a nice meal, or just zone out on the couch. When we make sure overtime isn’t the norm and that it’s fairly compensated, we’re basically saying we value our team’s time and well-being outside the office. It’s about promoting a culture where work gets done, sure, but not at the expense of living a full, balanced life.

28. Birthday leave

Offering employees a day off on their birthday is a fun and thoughtful way to show your appreciation for their hard work throughout the year. It’s a simple yet impactful gesture that can make your team members feel valued and recognized on a personal level. This small token of appreciation not only boosts morale but also reinforces a positive workplace culture where individual well-being is celebrated. Plus, it’s a great way to promote work/life balance, giving your team a chance to enjoy their special day however they choose, away from the demands of the office.

29. Stress management workshops

Hosting stress management and resilience workshops is a great way to show you’re tuned in to the pressures your team faces. These sessions are all about giving practical tips and strategies for handling the everyday stresses that come with work. 

This approach not only helps everyone manage stress better but also bolsters the team’s overall resilience, keeping work/life balance in check. Think about it, if your team is taught by professionals on how to manage stressful times, it will rub off on their home life too!