Work-life balance doesn’t have to be a Struggle for Kenyan enterprises

Work-life balance is becoming an increasingly important consideration for employees worldwide. According to a global survey by Ipsos, 68% of respondents said they prefer a hybrid work model, with almost a quarter preferring fully remote working. This preference for flexible work arrangements is highlighting the need for companies to prioritise work-life balance. 

In Kenya, new legislation being proposed in the Employment (Amendment) Bill aims to give employees the “right to disconnect” from work-related calls, texts, emails, and assignments during non-working hours, weekends, and public holidays. This proposed law, which would make Kenya the first African country to enact such legislation, is a response to the increasing prevalence of remote and hybrid work models in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. While hybrid work models have the potential to improve work-life balance and attract current and prospective employees, this bill seeks to ensure that employers put in place policies that prioritise that balance and respect employees’ right to disconnect outside of working hours.

Accelerated adoption of hybrid work models in Kenya during and post-pandemic

Remote work was already on the rise in Kenya before the pandemic, but it has accelerated significantly since then. According to a report from the International Labour Organization (ILO), the pandemic has highlighted the potential of remote work as a viable option for many roles, resulting in the adoption of remote work models across different sectors.

Two out of three people surveyed said hybrid working improved their work-life balance, and the majority (85%) reported saving both time and money by skipping the daily commute. And almost a quarter of those surveyed said remote work improved communication and collaboration and led to faster decision-making. A hybrid work model offers increased flexibility and productivity with less commuting time, which can help employees manage their work and personal lives better, leading to happier, more engaged staff. 

From a business perspective, embracing a work-from-home approach can unlock opportunities. City-based employers can tap into a borderless talent pool of employees across East Africa, as an example, diversifying the workforce and offering greater potential for real innovation within a remote team. But it also gives African companies a chance to extend their services internationally.

Technological solutions for improved business performance

As Kenyan companies consider remote and hybrid work models, some might feel that remote work can lead to business performance, communication, and collaboration issues. Others may worry about the costs and expertise associated with adopting new technological solutions to promote productivity and improve business performance. 

But prioritising work-life balance does not mean sacrificing business performance. Companies that positively contribute to their employees’ work-life balance can benefit from increased employee retention and engagement and improved business performance. To help achieve this balance, companies can implement various technological solutions that bolster communication, improve collaboration, promote productivity, and upgrade business performance.

One example of a company that has successfully implemented flexible work arrangements is Microsoft. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Microsoft implemented a hybrid workplace model that allows employees to work from home or in the office as they choose. Microsoft has invested in various technological solutions to facilitate communication and collaboration, including Microsoft Teams and Microsoft SharePoint. These tools enable employees to communicate and collaborate seamlessly, regardless of their location.

Unilever has implemented various policies aimed at improving work-life balance, including flexible work arrangements, parental leave, and mental health support. Unilever has also invested in technological solutions that promote productivity and collaboration, including cloud-based tools for file sharing and communication.

With these high-profile corporate examples in mind, it’s easier for companies to implement various technological solutions to promote work-life balance in Kenya. These could include cloud-based collaboration tools such as Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom. These tools, used in conjunction with basics such as hosted email, allow employees to communicate and collaborate seamlessly, regardless of their location. In addition, companies can invest in project management tools such as Trello or Asana to improve productivity and ensure that employees can manage their workload effectively. These tools allow employees to manage their tasks and deadlines, assign tasks to other team members, and track project progress.

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Winning with work-life balance

Work-life balance doesn’t have to be a struggle for Kenyan enterprises. By making it a priority and implementing the right technological solutions, companies can benefit from increased employee retention, engagement, and improved business performance. The numbers prove it. The key is to strike a balance between flexibility and productivity, allowing employees to work in a way that suits their needs and preferences while ensuring that business objectives are met. With the right approach, work-life balance can be a win-win for both employees and employers.