Long story short: Make 2023 the year you attain work-life balance

By Alyssa Place, This is my expertise

Published January 6, 2023 11:31 AM EST 2 Min Read

Employees returned to work this week, hopefully refreshed from some time off. Use the momentum of the new year to encourage a more restful and balanced approach to work in 2023.

The past several years have been challenging for everyone in the workforce, and the stress is taking its toll: a November survey by Aflac found that 59% of employees were struggling with moderate levels of burnout, up from 52% in 2021. Burnout can lead to more serious mental health issues, as well as high rates of attrition.

For remote and hybrid workers, the line between work and home time has become so blurred, it can seem like one in the same. But Aflac’s CHRO, Matthew Owenby, is taking steps to ensure his employees prioritize work-life balance, and he practices those habits, too.

“If you’re surrounded by work all the time, at least from my perspective, it can be very troubling,” says Owenby. “Allow people that separation between work and their life, and in fact, insist upon it. Insist upon people taking time off — take your PTO, take your mental wellness day, take that break.”

Alyssa Place

Editor-in-chief

Alyssa Place is the editor-in-chief of Employee Benefit News and has been with the team since 2019. Her work covers mental health, DEI, women at work, financial wellness, retirement and workplace … Read full bio

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