Achieving a healthy work-life balance has become one of the top priorities for employees, ranking second among the reasons people choose an employer, according to Randstad's 2024 employer brand research report.

Yet, despite its importance, only one in four employees feels their employer excels in this area.

At the Dream Academy, we’ve been experiencing the difference a healthy approach to wellbeing and work-life balance can make for over a decade. By helping people work towards achieving their lifelong dreams, we’ve discovered the link between better life outcomes and achieving the right work-life balance.

Our six-month coaching and mentoring program is designed to help employees realise their personal dreams and aspirations. By working with dedicated coaches, they can break their big dreams down into manageable, actionable steps, leading to unexpected successes and a renewed sense of fulfillment.

For employers, supporting the wellbeing of their workforce through such an authentic, personalised program translates to happier, more productive, and more loyal employee

The importance of work-life balance

Work-life balance isn't just a buzzword; it's a crucial element for maintaining overall employee wellbeing. When employees achieve harmony between their professional and personal lives, they experience less stress and burnout.

The happy side-effect is a healthier work environment, improving relationships between leaders and their teams, reducing absenteeism and increasing job satisfaction.

Moreover, employees who feel less overwhelmed by life are more engaged and productive.

By supporting work-life balance, companies can create a loyal workforce, as employees are more likely to stay with an employer who values their personal wellbeing. This, in turn, enhances the company's reputation, making it an attractive place to work. Prioritising work-life balance is a win-win for both employees and employers.

Current employer ratings

Despite the growing emphasis on work-life balance, many employers fall short in this area.

According to Randstad's 2024 employer brand research report, only one in four employees rates their employer highly on supporting work-life balance. This statistic is alarming given that work-life balance ranks second among the top reasons people choose an employer.

The gap between employee expectations and employer performance indicates a pressing need for more effective solutions. Many employees feel that traditional perks like flexible hours or remote work options are not enough. They crave genuine support that helps them integrate their personal and professional lives seamlessly and get the best from both.

The stats support this thinking. Did you know:

• The CIPD’s Good Work index 2023 reported that 54% of respondents said they struggled to relax during personal time due to pressure from work

• Significant minorities are less likely to have a good work-life balance

• Carers are more likely to struggle to achieve a work-life balance

• 55% of UK employees want to work for a company that will actively support their mental health, according to StandOutCV

There’s no doubt happiness and wellbeing are a major focus for people and therefore need to be on the radar for businesses who want to become employers of choice.

Employers who fail to meet these needs risk increased staff turnover, reduced productivity, and a negative impact on their brand reputation. It’s clear that improving work-life balance is not just a nice-to-have but a critical necessity.

The Dream Academy's unique approach

At the Dream Academy, we offer a distinctive approach to achieving work-life balance by focusing on individual dreams and aspirations.

Unlike traditional programs that offer generic solutions, we deliver personalised coaching and mentoring over a six-month period and, at the end of it, people have something exciting to show for their effort.

Employees work with dedicated coaches to identify, prioritise, and pursue their personal dreams. This process involves breaking down large, intimidating goals into manageable, actionable steps. The approach is both practical and deeply personal, leading to surprising successes and, often, a renewed sense of purpose.

Whether the chosen dream is personal or professional, we find that both sides of life benefit: simply by giving their life more attention, employees find a more meaningful balance.

Perhaps because of the sense of achievement that comes with taking control of something meaningful, we find taking part in the Dream Academy also boosts general happiness and productivity. And because employers have made this happen, staff loyalty increases too.

In essence, the Dream Academy transforms work-life balance from a corporate buzzword into a tangible, achievable reality for employees.