June 6, 2025
Work-life balance: better lives, stronger business
Balancing work and life commitments has become a central focus of 21st Century employment, as professional demands and personal responsibilities continue to put pressure on work and home.
As a leader in an SME, I know how hard it is to get it right, for everyone in the Eumar Technology team and for myself personally. But it is essential that, as an employer and a company that cares about its colleagues, we continue to move towards achieving an effective equilibrium between work and homelife for all. It’s not simply a matter of convenience or nicety, but a necessity that directly impacts our colleagues’ and friends’ well-being. And if anyone requires a business benefit to take it seriously, good colleague wellbeing also improves productivity and long-term business outcomes.
What do we mean by work-life balance?
Starting with what it isn’t. Work-life balance isn’t closing the computer at 5pm and then turning it back on once the children are in bed or you have eaten. It isn’t getting in early to get ahead so you can leave on time either. A good work-life balance ensures colleagues can and do manage professional duties alongside personal interests, family commitments, and self-care.
When employees can separate work from their personal lives, they are more likely to maintain a manageable workload and enjoy sufficient time for rest and personal activities. This is the responsibility of management to ensure this culture is embedded. And it’s amazing how often it isn’t – even now when we know this balance is crucial for mental and physical health. Despite knowing chronic stress and overwork can lead to anxiety, insomnia, and even more serious health conditions, research shows some industries are struggling to prioritise this. Where senior teams prioritise wellbeing and setting clear boundaries, research shows colleagues will benefit in both short and long-term so why is it still a problem in so many organisations?
Managing under times of pressure as an SME
Over the past 18 months, Eumar Technology has faced challenges in growth and development which has put colleagues under a level of pressure. We are aware that we have asked more of our colleagues than usual and that this has had an impact. And as an SME, it is often the case at times of pressure, it can be felt throughout the organisation because we are naturally smaller in staff number.
It is very easy to look up after a busy day and have worked through lunch or an hour after your end of day. Knowing the pressure we were facing, we have had to keep workplace balance in front of mind and a priority on the board table, as we progressed with our intensive growth programme – managing and supporting our colleagues throughout. We obviously haven’t always got it right over the past 18 months, but having a culture already in place where it is ok for colleagues to stop and have open dialogue is important – because our dialogue and openness in the workplace was already accepted so we could have honest two-way conversation.
A balance brings benefits
For employers, fostering a culture that values work-life balance brings tangible benefits. Colleagues who feel supported in managing their responsibilities tend to be more motivated, productive, and engaged in their roles. They are also less likely to be absent due to illness or stress, which helps maintain continuity and efficiency within teams. Additionally, organisations that promote a healthy balance often experience higher retention rates, staff are less inclined to seek new employers when their wellbeing is prioritised.
Unavoidably, people do fall ill and, sadly, sometimes seriously. At Eumar Technology, we have in place several ways to facilitate a journey back to work. Phased work programmes can be difficult to implement but the inclusion of part-time or flexible return to normal working has been an invaluable asset to our colleagues. We are definitely not the first to put this in place, but I would recommend it to my peers if they haven’t already – again not always easy to do as an SME.
Those flexible working arrangements, realistic expectations, and supportive policies play a significant role in enabling Eumar Technology’s employees to achieve balance. Encouraging regular breaks, respecting personal time, and providing access to resources that support mental health contribute to a more positive working environment. Leadership also has a responsibility to model healthy behaviours, demonstrating that success does not require sacrificing personal wellbeing. It is easy to be the director who works long into the night, with the lights left on when colleagues have gone home – but that just instills a guilt in colleagues who are not working late too. Besides, I firmly believe in my own work life balance!
Ultimately, balancing work and life is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It requires ongoing dialogue, mutual respect, and a willingness to adapt as circumstances change. When organisations and individuals collaborate to prioritise wellbeing, the result is a healthier, more resilient workforce—one that is better equipped to meet both professional challenges and personal aspirations. This approach not only benefits employees but also strengthens the organisation’s ability to attract and retain talent, drive innovation, and achieve sustainable success.
I’d be really interested to learn more about how other SMEs approach work-life balance – we are always happy to learn and share.
