Business leaders, what's one policy change you've enacted that has positively influenced your company's work-life balance?

Question

Looking to revolutionize your company's work-life balance? Hear from top business leaders as they share game-changing policy changes. In this article, a CEO discusses implementing flexible hours for better balance, while another expert reveals how flexible work hours can benefit remote teams. Discover these and seventeen more insights from industry experts.

Timothy Brooks · Answer

Flexibility was one policy change I implemented that greatly improved work-life balance for my team. Understanding that individual work and home situations vary, we introduced flexible-then-hard hours, moving away from obligatory 9-to-5 hours to one that better accounts for employees' most productive hours and personal obligations. It was a big change, needed deliberate planning, and it impacted the team greatly. When we transitioned to remote work, we set up core hours from 10 AM to 2 PM for collaboration and meetings, leaving the rest of the day to the employee for flexibility. This struck a balance between holding us accountable and also allowing individuals to work where they see fit and when they were most productive. Workers enjoyed being able to take care of personal responsibilities, like childcare or health appointments, without compromising their work. The results were clear. People optimized their schedules and productivity went up; morale improved as the team felt trusted and valued. Less stress and more engagement were obvious dividends, bettering individual performance as well as group cohesion. For other leaders thinking about incorporating something similar into their organizations, I encourage beginning with a pilot, honing in on expectations, and gathering feedback to continuously iterate on the system. Flexibility not only enhances work-life balance, but also helps to foster a culture of trust and respect, leading to long-term employee engagement and success.

Ronald Osborne · Answer

One of the most impactful policy changes I've implemented to improve work-life balance was the introduction of a mandatory "digital detox" policy. This came after observing burnout trends in one of my client's teams during my early coaching years, which mirrored issues I had addressed in my own telecommunications business. The policy required that no work-related emails or messages could be sent or responded to outside of designated working hours, except in emergencies. Additionally, employees were encouraged to take a full 24-hour break from digital devices once a week.
Drawing from my military training in telecommunications and my MBA in finance, I knew that efficiency isn't about working longer but smarter. I used data from a study I conducted on 675 entrepreneurs to demonstrate the connection between productivity and mental health. The results spoke for themselves. Within three months of implementing the digital detox, productivity surged by 18 percent, employee turnover decreased, and team morale improved significantly. This policy was a success because it was rooted in both my real-world experience of scaling businesses and the insights gained from my research. It's a clear example of how thoughtful leadership and evidence-based changes can create a thriving, sustainable work culture.

Elisa Branda · Answer

We implemented a "No-Meeting Fridays" policy to give employees dedicated time for focused work or personal needs. It started as a trial after we noticed burnout from constant virtual meetings. Within weeks, employees reported feeling more productive and balanced. One developer shared that it gave them time to finish work without interruptions, freeing up evenings for family. Leaders consistently respect the rule, which reinforces trust across teams. This simple change has improved work-life balance without disrupting operations. It's actionable for teams of all sizes and industries.

Tyler Bowman · Answer

One policy change I implemented that greatly improved our company's work-life balance helped establish flexible work schedules. This enabled employees to modify both their start and end times in order to work better with their personal lives while still supporting business requirements. The aim was to create a structure that facilitated productivity but also honored individual circumstances. For instance, some team members liked to start early, to finish their day early enough to pick their kids up from school, while others had found that they were more focused if they began working later in the morning. This flexibility enabled employees to balance their personal responsibilities without the pressure of strict work hours. We complemented this with clear guidance on operating parameters to promote accountability, for instance, clearly setting core hours when everyone would be available for meetings and collaboration. It was a transformation like no other. Employees said they were less stressed out and felt more in control of their schedules, which led to an increase in morale and engagement. Productivity also improved because team members were working when they felt most focused and productive. Moreover, this policy decreased burnout and turnover, since employees perceived their needs were prioritized alongside business objectives. For others thinking about this sort of shift, I'd suggest starting with candid conversations with your team about what they need and what obstacles they face. Work with that feedback to create a policy that strikes a balance between fluidity and structure. Set expectations clearly and provide tools to enable managers and employees alike to track performance to ensure everyone feels confident in the system. This allows work and life to really work together for everyone.

Magee Clegg · Answer

At Cleartail Marketing, we improved work-life balance by implementing a "no-meetings" period twice a week. This change allowed team members to dedicate uninterrupted time to deep work on strategic projects, increasing focus and productivity. This policy has led to a 40% increase in project milestones met on time, demonstrating its effectiveness. An example of this success was our SEO team, which used those blocks to revamp our client's strategies, directly contributing to a 278% revenue increase within a year. They could dive deep into analytics without being disrupted, analyzing keyword performance in detail. This approach is valuable because it respects employees' time, recognizing that constant meetings often limit their ability to concentrate. Businesses looking to improve team focus without sacrificing output might find such dedicated time blocks an ideal solution.

John Cheng · Answer

At PlayAbly, I implemented a 'flexible core hours' policy where team members only need to be online from 11 AM to 3 PM, while choosing their remaining hours around their peak productivity times. The results surprised me - not only did productivity increase, but our developers reported less stress and better work-life integration, especially those with families in different time zones.

Justin Abrams · Answer

One policy change that has actually worked for our company concerning the work-life balance of employees is flexible scheduling. We were a pretty traditional company until not too long ago; everybody worked fixed hours in the office. But this wouldn't work as we grew.
Our people have different needs and responsibilities outside of work. Some are parents juggling school pickups. Others are going after degrees or side passions. And of course, we all have days when life throws us a curveball. Trying to put everyone into the same little box was causing a great amount of stress and burnout.
And so we decided to shake things up. We shifted into a model where employees have more control over when and where they work. They could adjust their start and end times, work from home a few days a week, compress hours into longer days for an extra day off.
The effect has been dramatic. Our staff is more engaged and productive than ever. People appreciate the trust and autonomy in self-management of their time. And they are able to design schedules around what matters most, making for an improved harmony between work and life.
Of course, it wasn't without its share of trial and error. We had to set clear expectations around communication, collaboration, and performance, but the key was embracing flexibility as a core principle, not just a perk.
In the end, however, this shift has taught us that if you allow people to balance multiple commitments at work, they'll be able to bring their best selves to it. And that is a win-win for employees and business. And it speaks to the power of policy to promote well-being.

Becky Babb · Answer

One policy I implemented that had a huge impact on the work-life balance within our company was flexible hours. The move gave employees some flexibility to schedule their own time as long as certain parameters were met, enabling them to balance their workload with obligations and peak productivity. The intention was to provide a working environment focused on outcome rather than rigid working hours while taking into account individual needs. Some team members, for example, preferred starting early in the morning and wrapping up in the early afternoon, while others found they were more productive working later in the day. By permitting this flexibility, we were able to alleviate stress for those employees balancing family obligations, their own health, or other commitments away from work. It also allowed team members the flexibility to set aside that time for activities that re-energize them, whether that's working out, doing hobbies, or spending time with family. This policy had a huge effect. Employee engagement scores increased, and we saw a measurable lift in overall productivity. Team members said their feeling of being trusted and valued had increased and that their sense of commitment to the company had strengthened. Absenteeism declined, and the flexibility enabled us to attract top talent, especially among candidates who were prioritizing work-life balance when searching for a job. My advice to others considering a similar policy is to start with clear communication and defined boundaries. Clarify expectations for availability and collaboration for employees, such as when team meetings or client interactions take place during core hours. Solicit feedback on a regular basis to make sure the policy is benefiting both employees and the organization, and be open to re-evaluating if necessary. Flexible work hours mean trusting your team to use their time wisely and fulfill their tasks as they should. As you can see, employee outcome-based understanding helps to create a healthier workplace, that is both happy (engaged) and productive. This not only helps employees do their best work far more efficiently, it adds to your company culture and brand as an employer of choice.

Michael Sumner · Answer

One policy change that has positively influenced my company's work-life balance is our flexible work arrangement. I've realized that micromanaging and rigid schedules can stifle creativity and productivity. By giving my team the autonomy to manage their own time, they're able to prioritize tasks that align with their personal and professional goals. This approach has not only improved work-life balance but also boosted morale, motivation, and overall job satisfaction. 
To make this policy effective, I've implemented open communication channels, regular check-ins, and clear goal-setting. This ensures that everyone is aware of their responsibilities and deadlines, while also having the freedom to work from anywhere, at any time. I've seen firsthand how this approach has reduced burnout, increased collaboration, and fostered a sense of trust and accountability within the team. By prioritizing work-life balance, we've been able to attract and retain top talent, leading to improved overall performance and business success.

Vladimir Plotnikov · Answer

I recently started hosting monthly wellness days at our office, bringing in yoga instructors and meditation guides during lunch breaks to help my team decompress from the fast-paced real estate environment. After seeing how these sessions helped reduce stress and improve focus, I've made it a permanent policy and even noticed our property showings have become more successful since our agents are more relaxed and confident.

Darcy Turner · Answer

I recently introduced a 'No Weekend Showings' policy for our real estate team, ensuring everyone gets guaranteed family time and rest after busy weekdays. This simple change has dramatically improved our team's happiness and retention - they can actually plan weekend activities without last-minute cancellations, and surprisingly, our clients have adapted really well to viewing homes Monday through Friday.

Jm Littman · Answer

One policy change I've enacted that's had a significant impact on work-life balance is embracing flexible telecommuting. Let me be clear-I'm not one for gimmicks like foosball tables or nap pods. A workplace is for work, and I firmly believe in maintaining that focus. However, being flexible and adapting to the needs of your team is essential, and telecommuting has proven to be a win-win for both employees and the business. From the employee's perspective, telecommuting reduces the daily grind of commuting, giving them back valuable time to spend with family, pursue hobbies, or simply recharge. It's eco-friendly too, cutting down on the carbon footprint caused by travel. From a business perspective, it saves costs on office space and utilities, while still ensuring staff are able to deliver effectively. In fact, I've found that many employees are even more productive when working from home-provided clear expectations and accountability are in place. That's the key: flexibility doesn't mean a free-for-all. We implemented clear guidelines to ensure telecommuting remains productive. Regular check-ins, clear communication, and measurable goals keep everyone aligned and on track. It's about finding that balance where employees feel supported in managing their time and responsibilities while still meeting the needs of the business. Since adopting this approach, we've seen a noticeable improvement in morale and productivity. Employees appreciate the trust and flexibility, and that goodwill translates into a stronger commitment to their work. For me, the focus isn't on trendy perks-it's on policies that genuinely benefit both the team and the business. Flexible telecommuting has been one of those rare changes that ticks all the boxes.

Derek Pankaew · Answer

We recently tried a policy shift at Listening.com that, at first blush, would seem counterintuitive—yet it's transformed the balance of work and personal life for our team.
We traded out the mentality of 'take time off whenever' for what we call 'Seasonal Wellness Reprieves.' We eliminate the kind of vagueness that 'of course everybody can take off whenever,' by mandating company-wide downtime every quarter. During the break, nobody is supposed to check in, reply to messages, or push anything forward. There's zero guilt because everybody's off at the same time, so nobody's worried about being the only person stepping away from work.
This predictable pattern of group rest means that employees are not fighting a war against being perceived as 'not busy enough' or feeling uncomfortable taking personal time off. Instead, they have shared rhythms that normalize recharging. And the outcome is just fantastic. When we start a project again, the whole team returns refreshed, more vigilant, and more creative. The really interesting thing is that downstream from this effect is relief—even during periods of intense, active work—knowledge of the nearness of retreat lessens anxiety. That is, teams can take the pressure on because real rest isn't just tolerated—it's institutionalized.

Jessica Henderson · Answer

The constant pressure of real estate deals was affecting my team's family time, so we created a 'No Weekend Showings' policy unless absolutely necessary, ensuring everyone gets quality time with their loved ones. It was scary at first, but our clients actually respected this boundary, and our team's renewed energy has led to faster closings during weekdays.

Gail Stouffer · Answer

At KilnFrog, the best policy change we've made for work-life balance is introducing "Kiln it Early Fridays." The idea? If the week's work is done, the team can clock out early on Fridays and start their weekend sooner. It's our way of saying, "Go enjoy life-just don't fire up a kiln without supervision!" 
The results have been fantastic. Productivity has improved because people are motivated to finish their tasks efficiently, and everyone returns on Monday feeling refreshed (and maybe with fewer coffee stains on their shirts). My advice? Find small ways to show your team you value their time. It doesn't have to be big or complicated-even a little extra time off can work wonders for morale. And let's face it, happy employees are way more fun to work with!

Tammy Sons · Answer

One policy change we've enacted that has positively influenced our company's work-life balance is our flexible scheduling initiative. We understand that the nursery industry is demanding, especially during peak seasons, but we've created a system where employees can adjust their hours to meet personal needs. Whether it's starting earlier to leave early or trading shifts, the goal is to provide flexibility without compromising productivity. This flexibility has led to a more motivated and happy team, reducing burnout and improving overall job satisfaction. It's a win-win that promotes both work-life harmony and business success.

Tiffany Slater · Answer

Our work hours policy has had a positive impact on work-life balance. Our team works remotely and can schedule meetings and complete work at the best times for them, their clients, and the team. The goal is to meet deadlines, do high-quality work, and provide excellent service to our clients and each other; therefore, I am not concerned with when the work is done. Additionally, HR TailorMade is closed for two weeks during the winter holiday season. This 'shutdown' time is an excellent way for the team to take a much-needed pause, not worry about childcare for two weeks, and spend time with family. Because we communicate this to our clients well in advance, we have been able to take our holiday break time with ease.

What Policies Positively Impact Work-Life Balance?

What Policies Positively Impact Work-Life Balance?

Implement Flexible Hours for Better Balance

Enforce Digital Detox for Improved Productivity

Adopt No-Meeting Fridays for Focused Work

Establish Flexible Schedules for Personal Needs

Introduce No-Meetings Period for Deep Work

Set Flexible Core Hours for Peak Productivity

Shift to Flexible Scheduling for Reduced Stress

Allow Flexible Hours for Better Engagement

Offer Flexible Work Arrangements for Autonomy

Host Wellness Days to Reduce Stress

Ban Weekend Showings for Guaranteed Family Time

Embrace Telecommuting for Better Morale

Mandate Seasonal Wellness Reprieves for Rest

Create No Weekend Showings for Family Time

Introduce Early Fridays for Improved Productivity

Implement Flexible Scheduling for Happy Team

Adopt Flexible Work Hours for Remote Teams