It’s kind of a stereotype in IT – the overworked, overstressed professional who is working 60+ hours on the job, eating mostly out of vending machines, and spending the occasional night sleeping on a company couch. If you haven’t been this person, yourself you’ve probably worked with someone similar.

This example underscores the importance of achieving a stable work-life balance. IT professionals are disproportionately asked to work long hours, to take on short deadlines, and to deal with pressing problems on demand. But in spite of those obligations, it’s important – even essential – to provide your team with plenty of time away from work. Here’s why:

Reduce Turnover

Returning to our initial example, this is a professional who is quickly becoming burned out. One day they will reach a breaking point and quit impulsively, leaving a hole in your workforce that you must scramble to fill. Until that day comes, they are probably bringing down the performance and enthusiasm of those around them.

Improve Culture

Company culture has a subtle but significant impact on the success of a company. One of the best ways to improve your culture is, ironically, to give your team time away from it. Let them have an actual personal life, and they will show up to work refreshed, energized, and ready to bring their best selves into the office. That will help you accomplish more today, and positively impact your recruiting efforts for years down the road.

Increase Productivity

You may be worried that giving your team more time at home will reduce productivity. In practice, the exact opposite is true. It just makes sense that IT professionals who are tired, sad, unmotivated, and actively resentful will have little incentive to work harder, smarter, or faster. Being a little more flexible with your work arrangements can help you get a lot more out of the team you depend on.

Cut Compensation Costs

In lean times, it may be impossible to give your top performers a raise or promotion. That may also make it impossible to keep them on your team. Offering to help them achieve a better work-life balance is a low-cost perk you can offer that has a big impact on an employee’s actual quality of life.

Now that you understand the importance of a work-life balance and the impact it can have on your management goals, you’re probably wondering how to actually make meaningful improvements. Contact the experienced IT staffing professionals at RennerBrown today to learn about strategies that work.