Small Business Shared Interest Group

Over the weekend, I had the honor of participating in an IMA ON24 webinar, hosted by IMA's Westchester Gateway (NY) and Hyderabad (India) chapters. The focus of our panel discussion was on work-life balance and wellness program best practices, including questions like:

• Why should organizations and management leaders care about work-life balance?
• What do you consider some employer best practices when it comes to employee well-being? 
• Are there unique wellness programs you have seen or implemented? 
• What are some of the things that you have personally done to ensure that you have a better work-life balance?

That said, I would love to hear your stories and receive your thoughts on work-life balance and wellness program best practices? What trends are you seeing? What wellness programs are the most meaningful and value add? Especially within a small business? 

Thank you in advance for your insights!

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J. Stephen McNally, CMA, CPA
CFO
PTI Family of Companies
Maumee, OH, U.S.A.
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In the 8 1/2 years I've worked at the Automotive Dealership , the work-life balance has been consistent. The store shuts down 6-days/year to allow employees to observe the major holidays with their family. The store also provides paid vacation time. Employees are scheduled consistent hours, which allows employees to plan around their family needs. Thanks to the Missouri Blue Law, Sundays is a guaranteed day off. We don't have a wellness program in place. However, employees are allowed to take a break to walk outside. 

 I think what adds the greatest value to the work-life balance is giving employees a consistent work schedule. I think one of the greatest challenges of working adults is planning for family time/personal time. I am able to confidently plan for life events without worrying about conflicts with my work schedule. 

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Samuel Smith, MBA,CMA
Controller/Office Manager/HR Manager
Kirksville, MO
United States
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It was an excellent webinar Steve. @Samuel Smith thanks for your take!

I took a snapshot of your webinar Steve.

Care about employee's' well-being in general is valued, its a valuable incentive. Wellness programs, gyms, health facilities, other discounts, perks. I just recently talked about some of these in a podcast interview I gave on employee comp and incentives.

Worklife balance allows for play time, rest time, businesses that overwork employees will not benefit in the long run. No free time, less health, worse habits, so on.

My observations and listing to smart people speak.

(Multi-faceted subject.)

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Ilya Ilienko, dual MBA, CPA, CMA
Board Member / Director
East Coast - United States
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