Recently, I spent some time and money with personal branding expert Luke Harvey-Palmer trying to establish where I was heading outside the fitness industry. With clever probing and facilitation, he was able to ascertain for me that I really want to take the bull shit out of ‘work-life balance.’

So what the hell does that mean?

Simple . . . don’t have companies pay lip service to this concept – have them act and develop a culture of nurturing balance in people’s lives. And here are just 2 examples of what I mean.

Speaking with a friend last week, he is up to his 5^th new job in 12 years – 4 jobs in last 3 years. And he keeps moving because they want longer hours, more work and no extra pay – not that pay as an issue. His current employer head hunted him and said, “We believe in work-life balance!”

And they do: under NO circumstances are you to work on weekends, he was told. But they went further, “Weekends are for you and your family!” BUT in the last 90 days he is has been still working at 11pm at night after starting before 8am that day for over 60% of those days . . .

Please, where is the balance!?

Another friend, starting is working with a company that has been nominated for a work-life balance in the work place award is currently sick with stress!

This company has fantastic parties –one of the first emails received was the list of social events for 2009! Partners are encouraged to come and join in the fun

Is their definition of balance for their Team social outings?

But when are employers going to get it . . . it is more than weekends off . . . more than free booze & food . . . it is about wellness!

Finally a third friend was a regular exerciser – 3 to 4 times per week . . . not now as they have no time because of deadlines. They would laugh (and cry from laughter) . . . not now everything is so serious, where is the fun. They would never skip breakfast or lunch . . . not now, too busy to eat lunch!

The short term solution is whipping the worker to get great work levels. But they burn out. You then have to take time to either counsel or replace them, which costs the business money. But remember short term you are in profit.

Alternatively, (I hate saying this) lower your expectations and you may find the staff will stay longer as they are consistently achieving more, are happier and also tell their friends what a great employer you are – helps in recruitment, product sales and community perception – note: I have not named the companies in my Blog, but if I did would you want to work with them?

Work-Life Balance is more than words.

It is about actions and organisational culture.

It is a strategy for a business to ensure their staff stays well . . . and with well staff you have a productive Team. This leads to profit.

The formula is simple. Why aren’t more companies doing it?

NOTE – just heard Terry Wallace (Coach of Richmond AFL side) is suffering a stress induced illness causing weight loss . . . yet another example of no balance in work! This is serious stuff!