While prioritizing work-life balance, Quebec employers push for office return

While Quebec employers might be emphasizing work-life balance for their workforce, many also would like workers back in the office more often, according to a recent survey.

Overall, 23% of hybrid employers would like employees to spend more time in the workplace, according to a survey released by the Quebec Family Network (Réseau pour un Québec Famille).

However, the number doubles to 56% when it comes to employers in the public and parapublic sectors, reported The Canadian Press.

Employers aren't expecting staff to meet their mandated target days on-site, which is why they're blowing up the number of in-office days, one expert said recently.

Employers prioritizing work-life balance

The call from Quebec employers comes as the majority of them are prioritizing work-life balance for workers in the workplace, according to the survey of 1,039 employers in December 2023.

Overall, 88% of employers had implemented work-life balance measures, with 67% implementing flexible working hours, according to CTV News.

Meanwhile, 23% of employers have introduced paid leave for family responsibilities, up from 18% in 2022.

"Work-life balance measures in general are here to stay," said Corinne Vachon Croteau, executive director of the Quebec Family Network, adding that employers have considered the labour shortage and made compromises to keep their workers.

"I don't think there will be any turning back. We're in the process of making a lasting transformation," she said, according to The Canadian Press.

Four in five employers are redesigning their workspace as they mandate their workers to return to the office, according to a previous Cisco report.

How to achieve work-life balance

Here’s how employers can promote work-life balance for workers in the workplace, according to Nick Schurk, senior SEO manager at HR software solution provider GoCo:

• Offer flexibility in working hours.
• Encourage workers to take care of their mental health and wellbeing.
• Promote clear communication lines between workers and managers.
• Encourage workers to take vacations and time-offs.
• Encourage participation in work events, be it a family day, summer events, charity auctions, or any other event.
• Encourage workers to practice mindfulness.
• Encourage open communication and feedback with employees.

“The quest to find a healthy work-life balance is ongoing, and as the demands of work continue to increase, HR teams need to support their employees to help them find the balance they need,” said Schurk.

“The challenges on-site, remote, and hybrid employees face are unique; therefore, HR teams must make individualized plans to fix the situation. Ultimately, establishing a healthy work-life balance benefits not just the individual employee but the company in the long run. A healthy work-life balance will undoubtedly create higher employee retention, greater productivity, and employee satisfaction.”

Work-life balance is the top secondary indicator of workers’ happiness, according to an ADP report published in February.