By Juliet ETEFE
Horizons Offices Ghana Limited, a leading provider of fully-furnished serviced offices, has held its 2024 business networking event – igniting conversations on the need for an excellent work-life balance.
Themed ‘Achieving an Excellent Work-Life Balance in this Competitive Business Environment’, the event brought together business leaders, partners and clients for an evening of bonding and sharing ideas.
The Country Manager-Horizons Offices, Carlis Arko, in an opening remark emphasised the event’s importance as an opportunity to learn, network and generate business.
He acknowledged the economic challenges faced this year, and reiterated Horizons Offices’ commitment to providing an excellent working environment tailored to meet diverse business needs.
“Horizons Offices will continue to offer a world-class workspace that meets your business needs,” he said.
“The purpose of our gathering here is to learn from each other, network and generate business among ourselves. We need a healthy workforce for us to be in business. Without a healthy workforce, we cannot offer our services to our business partners. So, for us it is essential that we pay much attention to Work-Life balance in our workplace,” he noted.
Healthy work-life balance
Speaking on the theme, guest-speaker – Human Resource expert – Iris Owusu-Manu highlighted the need for a healthy work-life balance, stressing the significance of flexible work arrangements and their impact on productivity and employee well-being.
She pointed out that flexible work arrangements contribute to higher productivity and reduced burnout, with about 42% of the workforce reporting regular feelings of exhaustion.
As such, she urged organisations to create supportive environments that address employee well-being and foster creativity.
She further urged managers to set a supportive tone and recognise team successes – advocating for a balanced approach that encourages healthy competition while safeguarding employees’ mental and physical health.
She noted the need for a balance that accommodates different working styles, as the shift in workplace expectations requires a reevaluation of traditional work models to retain talent and foster a supportive work environment.
To promote a balanced lifestyle on a personal level, Ms. Owusu-Manu advocated for practical strategies such as maintaining a well-balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep and positive affirmations.
“With competition in the workplace, there is a great side where people challenge themselves and create innovative ideas…but on the flip-side, it can affect their well-being. Make time for relaxation,” she urged, underscoring the necessity of self-care in sustaining long-term professional and personal fulfilment.
She advised participants to set boundaries between professional and personal life to avoid burnout and maintain family relationships.
