Buzzwords in the workplace can be polarizing: synergy, paradigm shift, growth hacking. Sometimes it feels like organizations use buzzwords without knowing what they really mean. Then, sometimes there are words that seem like buzzwords but actually change the workplace for the better. We’ve covered one of these on this blog before, DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion), and how it’s not only a benefit to your organization but necessary. Another phrase that might get thrown around a lot but just as necessary as DEI? Work-life balance. A lack of it can lead to burnout resulting in reduced productivity, accidents on the job, and high turnover.
If you’re not promoting work-life balance to your employees yet, you should start. And if you don’t know where to start, keep reading for some tips on how to promote work-life balance to skilled trades employees.
Between 2022 and 2027, 56 skilled trade sectors will experience a 10,000 person shortage, according to RBC’s “Powering Up: Preparing Canada’s Skilled Trades for a Post-Pandemic Economy”. Employment and Social Development Canada estimates that approximately 700,000 skilled trades workers have retired or will retire between 2019 and 2028 without enough apprentices to replace them.
In 2022, 92.6% of people working in trades, transport, equipment operations, and related occupations and 72% in manufacturing and utilities were men, according to Statistics Canada. We hear a lot about the very real and valid stereotypes and unhealthy messaging that can harm women and girls in the workplace and hold them back. But much less attention is paid to the unhealthy messaging men and boys receive in the workplace.
How many times have we heard phrases - meant to be motivational - like:
If these phrases are motivational to you, that’s great! But sometimes it’s hard to balance our motivation to work hard and achieve our goals, with our home life, causing this kind of messaging to have a toxic effect on mental health. “Hustle culture” can quickly lead to an unbalanced work life and turn into burnout culture.
With this data in mind, it is safe to assume that there are already skilled trades workers in your workplace who may be experiencing burnout and in need of better work-life balance.
If you think some of your skilled trades employees may be experiencing burnout, here are some tips for how to promote work-life balance to them:
Use the resources on the Quality of Life in Eastern Ontario page to:
External links are provided as informational resources only and are not necessarily endorsed by Ontario East.