Work/Life Balance

Freeing Time with Services for Employees

By Judy M. Mueller, CPA

Have you regretted not showering on your tiptoes to save some precious minutes? Have you made phone calls, balanced the checkbook or completed other tasks while sitting in traffic? John Randolph (Congressman; 1773-1833) said it best, “Time is at once the most valuable and the most perishable of all our possessions.”

Recognizing this, time-saving ideas are always welcome. Let’s first consider some perks or services an employer could provide. The cost of the services or perks might be paid by the employee, but employers could make them available. In fact, an employer could even consider partnering with the building owner/manager in order to provide a service as a building amenity.

For large employers or businesses operating in a multi-tenant facility, consider a concierge service. Services would include basic errands such as banking services; prescription, film, and dry cleaning drop-off and delivery; and access to homes for service personnel such as exterminators, repair technicians, etc. If a concierge service isn’t possible, work with building personnel to offer these services in some capacity. Perhaps an exciting opportunity exists for an entrepreneur. If not economically feasible as a year-round service, consider providing it during peak seasons.

Access to a store offers another opportunity to provide free time. Key features of this convenience store should include stamp purchases, greeting cards, wrapping paper, over-the-counter medications, gifts, and food.

How about improving employees’ physical and mental health and providing freeing time simultaneously? Offer services for flu shots, annual physical examinations, health screenings and massages. Consider an on-site fitness facility or a group membership to nearby facility. This doesn’t need to be an expensive benefit. A treadmill, bench press or similar equipment in an underutilized space is a great start. How about a concrete slab with a basketball net?

Think of the common reasons for employee absenteeism—transportation and child care. Why not help? Offer services such as car detailing, oil changes and transportation pass purchases. An on-site day care and/or elder care facility is another consideration.

If you operate a small business, consider providing lunch periodically. During grilling season, provide an inexpensive bar-b-que. Employees may use the extra time to run errands, make personal calls, or simply relax and mingle while management flips the burgers.

Just knowing where to turn for help is perhaps the best service of all. Employers should consider providing an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The program should be confidential and provide assistance from professionals to help employees resolve personal concerns so they can be their best at home and work.

Any combination of the above will promote your place of employment as one of the best places to work in the city, state, or country. Not in a position to promote or institute one of these ideas? Don’t be shy…put a note in the ole employee suggestion box.

Of course, personal responsibility is important. The following are personal services or time-saving ideas. Consider them in order to have more personal time or to get a little extra accomplished at work. You will be rewarded.

Housecleaning (consider biweekly or monthly services to control expenses)
Employ a teenager or adult as a homework helper, dinner starter, or chauffeur
Place a standing order with a local restaurant weekly—no cooking, no dishes
Turn off the radio in the car for 10 minutes while commuting and mentally organize your day
Shop at non-peak times to avoid the crowds and lines—generally service is better too
Frequent travelers—keep extra toiletries, undergarments in suitcase
Keep standing lists—groceries, cards/gifts to buy, general supplies. Helps prioritize and prevents trips for forgotten items
Shop and pay bills on line
Maintain a calendar—personal, business, events. Prevents overbooking and schedule conflicts can be dealt with sooner or prevented
Books on tape

Hope you found time to read and enjoy this article. Perhaps you planned ahead and read it while waiting to pick up someone, in the grocery store aisle, or yes, in the bathroom.

Judy Mueller is the controller with Thompson Coburn LLP in St. Louis. She is also a member of the MSCPA Work-Life Balance Committee. Judy can be reached at jmueller@thompsoncoburn.com.