Companies today expect more from their employees and, for the most part, employees are willing to give it. But it’s just as important for employees to play hard as it is for them to work hard, otherwise they risk burnout—and that’s not good for anyone. By offering onsite services, companies can create a “work hard, play hard” culture that benefits everyone. 

Employees are routinely working more than full time. According to a Gallup poll, adults who work full time in the U.S. work an average of 47 hours per week. Half of all full-time workers surveyed by Gallup reported that they work more than 40 hours a week, and nearly 40% said they work at least 50 hours a week. 

Several trends can be coming into play here. During the recession, companies were forced to do more with less, and employees followed suit. For the most part, budgets have recovered and business is picking up, but employees are still expected to do more. Why? Many organizations, like IT, remain understaffed due to skills gaps in the job market.

In the meantime, Millennials are seeking jobs that give them a sense of purpose. When employees feel fulfilled, they don’t count down the hours until they can clock out. In addition, flexible work schedules and mobile access enable employees to work anytime, from anywhere. And the natural tendency is to work more, not less. The manager who heads out early to watch his son’s soccer game is likely putting in that time and more after hours.

All this work is great—but only up to a point. Excessive overtime can come at a high cost to both employees and their employers. Unless people take the time to relax and truly recreate on the weekends and during vacations, they risk becoming ill and/or burning out. As a result, productivity suffers, sick days rack up, and employee retention drops off.  

Employers can help employees get the most of their time off by providing services onsite that would otherwise have to be taken care of on the weekends. For example, employees can have the tires or oil changed in their car during standard work hours. That frees up the weekend for hobbies that stimulate other parts of the brain and body, so that when employees return on Monday they are truly refreshed and ready to not just work hard but also be more creative and innovative.

Workaholics rarely have time to plan anything other than work. Onsite services like party planning and entertainment and concierge services make it easy for employees to make plans they can look forward to. Employers can also encourage employees to play hard by awarding them with pre-paid or discounted services.

Hard working employees are incredibly valuable. Companies that want to keep those employees will foster a work hard, play hard culture that ensures employees stay healthy, happy, and productive.    

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