10 Interview Questions to Ask to Evaluate a Companys Work-Life Balance

10 Interview Questions to Ask to Evaluate a Companys Work-Life Balance10 Interview Questions to Ask to Evaluate a Companys Work-Life Balance Nearly half of adults surveyed are working more than 40 hours a week, according to Ernst and Youngs Global Generations study of 9,700 adults. What employees really want out of companies is flexibility, and an opportunity for better work-life balance. Understanding a companys policies and views on work-life balance is important to your success and happiness . You have the opportunity to discover what the flexibility and work-life balance look like before you even begin a job by asking a few key questionsThe phrase flexibility in the workplace can be interpreted in a million different ways. This is why its necessary to directly ask interviewers what benefits are included in the job description that ensure work-life balance. Does the company have mental health benefits, unlimited paid vacation days, or physical fitness allowances ? All of these can indicate varying focuses on employees well-being and balance.Get a closer glimpse by asking the interviewer to walk you through their own typical work day. If a day for the interviewer is jam-packed with meetings, tasks, a quick bite to eat while responding to emails, and attempting to end before the workday hits hour 10, its a good sign the balance might not be there.Employers who are focused on hours worked tend to hold the reigns tight when it comes to tracking hours, and not giving way to flexibility. Leaders who are goal oriented focus on thequality of work and not how many hours it takes to reach the goals. In reality, this may mean you need to work extra hours at times to meet deadlines, but a more flexible schedule is likely achievable with a results-oriented boss.Being able to complete work where youre most productive and efficient is a big part of work-life balance. If the employer offers telecommuting as an option, this shows their focus is on the best end goal, not just butts in office chairs.This question points out micromanagers . Work-life balance can be achieved when an employer gives employees the tools they need to succeed on their own terms, rather than dictating every part of their workday. However, if youre only allowed to follow preset habits and practices, you may end up deckenfries in the physical office working at a less efficient pace because youre unable to work in a way most productive to you. Understanding how employees engage together will show you the companys culture. Some companies engage in fun games and after-work activities together. This shows the employer knows the benefits relieving stress and a good work-life balance can have on their employees.An organizations mission statement can show you how the company values employees lives. If the mission statement places a high value on employees, its likely the employer will take care of employees needs, both inside and outside of the office. Its important to know if your opinion about work-life balance will be valued. Employers who listen to, and implement, employee feedback care about what will make their team most effective. This leaves room for employees to come to managers and express what needs to be adjusted to better their work-life balance. Yes - this does sound like a speed dating question, but its also a great way to gauge how much time the interviewer actually spends outside of the office. If they dont have a lot of interests or hobbies, it may mean theyre too focused on work. In other words, this question can show you how well the interviewer values their own work-life balance.We all have those off days where our brains just arent working up to capacity. Employers who push for goals to be completed on their schedule, no matter what may interfere with your work-life balance. Interviewers who are straightforward about understanding sometimes our brains dont work as quickly as wed like, or occasionally, life happens, are cons iderate to work-life balance.