News & Information

When employees are granted autonomy and flexibility, and when organizations view them as whole people with needs, roles, and responsibilities outside of the workplace, they are more likely to experience balance and happiness, according to the U.S. Surgeon General’s Framework for Workplace Mental Health and Well-Being. Employees also have a human desire for learning and accomplishment, which can often lead them toward continuing education opportunities. For many, pursuit of continuing education can introduce additional responsibilities, challenging their desire for harmony among competing priorities. While overload can lead to some negative health outcomes, when employees find a balance that works for them, the growth and accomplishment that come from continuing education can foster optimism, enthusiasm, and overall happiness within their role and for their organization.

Employees prioritize work-life balance and learning and development when choosing an employer, as reported in the surgeon general’s framework. Both factors contribute to positive outcomes for employees and employers. To help employees achieve work–life harmony, employers are encouraged to allow employees to have a say in how they accomplish their work, offer flexible schedules whenever possible, increase paid leave opportunities, and respect work and nonwork boundaries. Balanced and happy employees are reportedly sick less and experience lower levels of depression and anxiety. To support growth, employers can offer training, education, and mentoring opportunities. They can also facilitate clear pathways for career advancement and provide regular feedback. Acquiring new knowledge and skills while cultivating a growth mindset promotes growth in intellectual, social, professional, and emotional aspects. Such growth also empowers employees to better meet deadlines and accomplish their goals. Additionally, the sense of accomplishment from their achievements enhances their sense of competence and helps reduce stress, anxiety, and self-doubt.

Although the desire for growth is important to many, the reality is that continuing education opportunities come with requirements that often include dedicated study time, lengthy coursework, and time commitments. Maintaining balance and work–life harmony can be challenging when faced with these increased responsibilities on top of regular work tasks and home–life roles. Supportive employers can make a difference. Some strategies to consider include:

• Demonstrate support for continuing education. Offering learning opportunities and encouraging open communication about progress, priorities, and goals are some ways to show support. Employers can also check in on employees' workloads and their balance between work, education, and home life. Additional support can include dedicated paid study time (if possible), flexible schedules (when feasible), and the use of paid time off to help maintain balance.
• Highlight stress management with well-being initiatives. According to Mental Health America, one in four Americans describe themselves as “super stressed.” Although stress is a normal part of life, understanding how to manage it can serve as a helpful tool when juggling additional responsibilities like continuing education. Stress management strategies help employees develop skills such as organizational and time management, recognizing the importance of taking breaks, and developing resiliency techniques. Some effective initiatives for stress management include meditation, deep breathing exercises, mindfulness practices, and relaxation techniques.
• Promote physical well-being in the workplace. Another important component of maintaining work life harmony, especially while completing continuing education, is prioritizing physical well-being. Sustaining physical well-being allows employees to better regulate stress and reduce anxiety and depression as well as prevent and overcome illness. Employees might feel less energized or motivated to focus on things like exercise and eating nutritious foods when their responsibilities are stretched and priorities are shifted. In fact, the American Psychological Association reports that 32% of adults say increased stress negatively impacts their physical health, 33% report a negative effect on their eating habits, and 30% note a decline in interest in hobbies or activities. Providing access to healthy food options and opportunities for physical activity at the workplace allows employees to integrate wellness into their busy lifestyles without adding extra barriers. This also creates more time for family, personal responsibilities, and adequate rest and sleep.
• Remind employees of the resources available to them. Embarking on a journey of continuing education is an exciting time for employees— one that comes with high reward, but possibly some sacrifice along the way. To continue to show support throughout the process, remind employees that it’s a temporary experience and make sure they are aware of the resources available to help them. Highlight services such as employee assistance programs (EAPs), flexible scheduling policies and opportunities, wellness initiatives (stress management resources, exercise programs and tools, healthy eating and physical activity opportunities, etc.), and other resources that can help them prioritize well-being and maintain harmony among work, life, and learning.

For organizations seeking additional ways to promote continuing education and encourage professional growth among employees, here are some opportunities to consider offering:

• Conference registration and travel
• Education reimbursement or tuition assistance
• Certifications and credentials
• Intensive training
• Online subscriptions for trainings and webinars
• In-house training/outside training
• Reimbursement for books.

By offering these opportunities, organizations support employees’ professional development and foster a culture of continuous learning and growth, while also helping them balance competing priorities to maintain their health and well-being. Ultimately, this can lead to increased job satisfaction, improved performance, and long-term success for both employees and the organization.

For more information on continuing education opportunities with the Wellness Alliance and the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, follow the links below:

International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans—Workplace Wellness Toolkit

Wellness Alliance—November 2024 Well Balanced Newsletter: Professional Development

Wellness Alliance—Certificate Courses  

Wellness Alliance—Events and Online Learning

Wellness Alliance—Certified Wellness Practitioner (CWP)