Small Business Month

S M A L L B U S I N E S S M O N T H - S U P P L E M E N T T O T H E W I N N I P E G F R E E P R E S S - S A T U R D A Y , O C T O B E R 1 9 , 2 0 1 9 1 0 You can report your payroll and pay your WCB premium online. For these and other online services from the WCB, visit wcb.mb.ca. Did you know? I n many small businesses, it can be a challenge to achieve a healthy sense of work-life balance since it doesn't take much to tip the scales. A lack of work-life balance can lead to excessive levels of stress, which can take a physical and emotional toll on workers. The ripple effect can create a negative wave that impacts overall productivity, as well as co- worker relations and customer service. "Providing a healthy work-life balance is worth doing for its own sake, to be a decent human being, in addition to being worthwhile for dollar- and cent-based reasons," said Katherine Breward, an associate professor in the department of business and economics at the University of Winnipeg. "Employees notice when an employer cares about their well-being and most will respond in various positive ways, including higher job satisfaction and organizational commitment and more organizational citizenship behaviours —going above and beyond one's job description just to help out." To cater to the needs of their workers, some employers might implement flexible benefit programs that allow employees to choose the benefits most important to them. "Each employee gets a certain number of points to 'purchase' benefits from a list of available options," Breward said. "This is great because people can pick the benefits that best support their life — perhaps eldercare services for one and tuition reimbursement for the other, for instance." In some workplaces, employers allow for flexible schedules with workers choosing which eight hours they prefer to work within a set timeframe. "Obviously this is not possible with all jobs, but when you can offer it, flexible schedules allow people to tend to childcare, eldercare, medical appointments and other personal matters with less stress," Breward said. "As a side benefit, it reduces lying about absenteeism since people can just go to their appointments on their schedule. This encourages broader truthfulness." However, flexible scheduling is only beneficial if employees don't fear being sanctioned for using it, Breward added. "In some companies it is important to be visible to be perceived as working hard," she said, "such that people fear negative career consequences if they choose to work unconventional hours and are therefore seen less often." Onsite daycares offer another attractive option, Breward added, although few small businesses can cover the costs. "The businesses that can afford it often include webcams so parents can check on their kids throughout the day," she said. "For those who can't afford it, allowing time and private space for pumping breast milk can make a big difference to nursing moms whose babies are in nearby care." The good news is that many employers now recognize that it's worth attending to the mental health of their employees. However, Breward notes that the current economic climate might prompt employers to save costs by reducing benefits or hiring workers in categories that don't require benefits. "Some employers that do have budget funds available are starting to focus on mental health and benefits," she said, "such as extended family leaves to help with ill or aging family members, and catering to a more culturally diverse workforce." Each small business has the opportunity to consider creative approaches to cultivate a healthy work environment. "Many especially stressful workplace environments try to encourage breaks with physical activity and positive social interaction to reduce stress. These workplaces have basketball courts, ping pong tables, running clubs and similar activities available," Breward said. "Bringing well-behaved pets to work also reduces stress, often for the entire workplace. Allergies and phobias need to be addressed in advance, though." One pet can positively impact many employees, she added. "Bringing pets to work is becoming a stronger trend," she said "and has been associated with positive impacts on emotional well-being at work and productivity." ❚ WORKING TOWARDS WELL-BEING Katherine Breward, associate professor in the department of business and economics at the University of Winnipeg. By Jennifer McFee for the Free Press

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