It’s all too easy to pass off work-life balance as a corporate buzzword, but in reality, it’s crucial to keeping your team together. Stressed-out, overwhelmed and overworked employees struggle to stay productive, are less satisfied with their work, take more sick days, and are far more likely to resign or quiet quit.
As more businesses focus on wellness goals and employee support, woman-led workplaces are leading the way in creating environments that prioritize both professional success and personal well-being.
Lioness Magazine, in partnership with Innovation Women, recently hosted a webinar featuring Kathryn Poehling Seymour, CEO and President of First Supply LLC, a 5th-generation wholesaler of HVAC, builder, plumbing, lighting, waterworks, industrial PVF, pump, well and septic supplies. In the first of our Woman-led Workplace Advantage series, Poehling Seymour shared insights on how leaders can prioritize and shape company-wide work-life balance policies — both in-person and remotely.
Balance, or blend?
We may reference work-life balance, but to Poehling Seymour, the better term would be a work-life “blend.” After all, no one can maintain perfect equilibrium all the time. (Nor should we expect to.)
“There are times when you have to work 60 hours a week, and there are times when family or personal well-being needs to take priority,” she explained. “It’s about give and take.”
Her perspective comes from personal experience. As a mother of three young children — including twins born during the pandemic — she stepped into the role of CEO during a major life transition. The key, she says, was using available resources creatively to make it all work.
Policies to support employees
At First Supply, Poehling Seymour and her leadership team consciously implement policies to create a flexible, supportive workplace. Some of these include:
- Parental leave and family support, including paternity and adoption leave, to help employees navigate life’s changes without financial strain.
- Remote work flexibility. While most employees have returned to a hybrid model, Poehling Seymour still uses a structured remote work policy. Employees, managers and human resources representatives conduct annual reviews to make sure it still meets both business and employee needs.
- Incremental policy changes. Rather than overhauling the system overnight, First Supply takes a step-by-step approach to avoid sudden changes and workplace strain. “Do what you can, when you can, with what you have,” Poehling Seymour advises.
- Annual employee engagement surveys based on location, all to provide direct feedback to management and the executive team.
- An employee engagement team that meets regularly and makes sure that workers feel heard. They also organize a company-wide newsletter to highlight exceptional team members, share birthdays or provide important updates.
- Metrics! You might not immediately associate hard data with workplace wellness, but by tracking retention rates and employee performance, leadership can assess whether their approach translates to better business outcomes.
The role of leaders in work-life balance
Creating a balanced workplace starts at the top; leaders need to not only implement supportive policies but also lead by example. Poehling Seymour returned to work quickly after having her twins because she had the support and resources to do so. Not all employees are in the same position.
In the end, communication around any change is key. Messaging shapes the response and expectations of other employees. Her main advice: keep the conversation going, listen to employees and be willing to adapt. It’s not about having a perfect policy. It’s about making incremental changes that create a better workplace for everyone.
Join the conversation: The Woman-led Workplace Advantage
This webinar, “Creating Work-life Balance,” was the first in our Woman-Led Workplace Advantage series. Check out the next two upcoming events:
The Woman-Led Workplace Advantage: Examining Positive Leadership
March 18th | 12 – 1 p.m.
What makes employees feel engaged and motivated to do their best work? Positive leadership — the kind that fosters trust, growth and a culture of appreciation — is crucial.
Join us for a panel discussion with leaders from our 2024 Woman-Led Top Workplaces as we explore the leadership strategies that truly make a difference. From transparent communication to empowering employees at all levels, we’ll discuss how to build workplaces where people feel valued, supported and inspired.
The Woman-Led Workplace Advantage: Designing Meaningful Work
April 14th | 12 – 1 p.m.
Employees who find meaning in their work are more engaged, innovative and committed. But what does meaningful work actually look like? And how do you create it?
In this panel discussion, leaders from our 2024 Woman-Led Top Workplaces will share how they design roles, shape company culture and align work with purpose to drive both individual and organizational success.
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