Struggling to find that elusive balance between work & life

Practical ways to incorporate wellbeing into your workplace culture

Struggling to find that elusive balance between work & life?

Practical ways to incorporate wellbeing into your workplace culture

Feeling like there just aren't enough hours in the day? You're not alone. But what if your workplace actively supported your work-life balance and career growth? At RELX, employee health and wellbeing aren’t just buzzwords - they're core values backed by data. We're diving deeper to learn from successful teams within our organisation. Meet some of our managers and their team members who share how prioritising health, wellness and work-life balance translates into a thriving work culture where both the company and its people prosper.

"I feel like I am not just a number, my leadership team is invested in me as a person as well as an employee. I try to model that philosophy on my own team as well."

I’ve worked at the company for nearly 14 years and coming to work here was the best decision I could have made. I have been fortunate to work under truly fantastic leaders who have allowed me to grow and carve my own career path.

It’s important to consider all aspects of employee health, including physical, mental and emotional wellness while remembering that everyone is different. Prioritizing employee health and wellbeing allows your team a safe space to be who they are and grow as an individual. I just try to be my true, authentic self as a leader. I dedicate time during my one-on-one meetings to give my team members time to share what is going on in their personal life before we jump into discussing work. Additionally, I share aspects of my personal life with them, I want them to see me as a person, not just their leader.

Given that most of my team reside in different states, flexible work arrangements allow for my team to work hours that are conducive to both creating a better work-life balance as well as allowing time for us to work the same hours.

Beth Robertson - Risk
Sr Manager, CX Management - US

"While our team spends our days focusing on others, we also recognize the importance of self-care and our home life."

As a mother, I always hear the saying “You can’t pour from an empty cup” and I feel that my manager and RELX both embody this same sentiment which is wonderful. I can be my best self at work and prioritize what I need to do while feeling confident that my family and I are also taken care of. Knowing how much my manager does for me makes me that much more motivated to go above and beyond to show my gratitude.

I feel so supported by my leader and coworkers to lean in when my workload is heavy and I also feel seen for all of my hard work. I have always felt empowered to ensure my home life and my own self care is of the utmost importance. I can always move things around to ensure that I have that balance that I need with having young children.

RELX leads by example. RELX doesn't just tell us to prioritize our wellbeing but RELX gives us all the tools we need to be successful. Between volunteering hours, employee resource group hours, Sharecare and even offering summer flex hours is amazing. All of this demonstrates that RELX is committed to my wellbeing, which only furthers my loyalty and determination to ensure I am giving back all that I can to RELX and my team just as the organization does for me. Thank you, RELX!

Kassidy Marzec: Risk
Sr Project Manager, CX – US

"Good health and wellbeing are extremely important for an employee to be able to contribute in the most effective way to their work."

I have been with Elsevier since 2008. I like working here for many reasons, the most important one is because Elsevier is a people-oriented company that has a strong focus on prioritizing and investing in its people.

Since our team mostly works from home, flexible working hours is a significant support that I have been able to provide to my team. Allowing my team members the freedom to choose their work times as suitable for their role has helped them become more productive and helps them complete their work much faster. This also helps them take care of their personal and familial obligations. I have had feedback from team members that they are now able to spend real quality time with their children when they come home from school, or have been able to take the time to escort their elderly relatives to hospital.

RELX’s focus on wellbeing shows that the company places a huge importance on its people and their physical and mental health. This creates a work culture that enhances employee satisfaction, happiness and engagement. The work culture encourages a healthy work-life balance resulting in increased productivity.

Anitha Rajarathnam: Scientific, Technical & Medical
Team Leader, Art & Design - India

"Enhanced mental wellbeing leads to lower levels of stress and anxiety which correlates to increased job satisfaction and therefore higher productivity, innovation and creativity."

I have worked at LexisNexis Risk Solutions for nearly a decade. I like working here for a number of reasons, specifically the positive company culture, leadership and career development opportunities. I’ve been fortunate enough to have been awarded five promotions during my time at the company which has enabled me to grow and develop.

We continue to utilize a hybrid work week approach, meeting in the office twice a week on agreed days but in parallel to a flexible work hours approach to ensure that people do not lose personal time by avoiding peak traffic during their commute. This has created a results-oriented work environment, focused on outcomes and emphasizing results and output rather than the number of hours worked, giving the team the freedom to manage their schedules. It encourages inclusivity which ultimately leads to better engagement and career development opportunities for everyone. It’s been great to see RELX continue to prioritize Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (DI&B) which makes me feel proud to work here.

Daniel Hewitt: Risk
Sr Director, Sales – Dubai

"The supportive environment, access to mental health resources, and encouragement to take time off create a positive and nurturing workplace."

I enjoy working at RELX because of the company's dedication to employee wellbeing and work-life balance. RELX’s flexible work arrangements have been instrumental in managing my personal and professional commitments, especially during and after my maternity leave. The option to work remotely has allowed me to be present for my family while still fulfilling my work responsibilities. This flexibility has significantly reduced stress and enhanced my overall productivity.

Our team frequently organizes social events and team-building activities, which help build strong relationships and a sense of community. Additionally, we regularly check in with each other, not just about work but also about personal wellbeing, creating a culture of care and support.

RELX’s commitment to wellbeing creates an environment where employees feel valued and supported. This focus on health and work-life balance encourages me to perform at my best. It not only enhances individual wellbeing but also fosters a collaborative and motivated workforce, contributing to the company's success.

Nivine Al Kalach: Risk
Customer Success Manager – Dubai

"To create a supportive environment, I lead by example, demonstrating a commitment to work-life balance and wellbeing by modeling healthy behaviors and boundaries in my own work habits."

I have thoroughly enjoyed working at Elsevier over the past 19 years. The exceptionally intelligent and supportive colleagues, meaningful work, and balanced work-life have made my experience truly fulfilling.

We are all people first, so when employees' health and wellbeing are prioritized, they experience reduced stress, increased focus, and improved performance, promoting a better work-life balance. This approach benefits the company by attracting and retaining top talent, reducing turnover rates, and fostering loyalty and commitment among employees.

I foster a positive and inclusive work culture where the team feels valued, respected, and supported, and where they are comfortable sharing concerns, suggestions, and feedback without judgement. Flexible work schedules have increased the team's productivity, autonomy, and job satisfaction, while preventing burnout and providing more personal time.

RELX's commitment to wellbeing makes it a great place to work, demonstrating that the organisation cares about more than just the bottom line. You feel like part of a work family, not just an employee cranking out tasks. It's reassuring to be part of a company that values its employees' overall health and happiness.

Teia Stone: Scientific, Technical and Medical
Director, Customer Success - US

"A majority of our week is spent doing our job and to make that a worthy investment of our time and energy, it’s essential there be room for wellbeing, flexibility and recognition."

I have worked at Elsevier for 11 years and I’ve grown increasingly enthusiastic and grateful to be an employee here with each passing year.  As an organization, we really celebrate and encourage collaboration, and this offers the opportunity to regularly connect and learn from knowledgeable individuals and find new pathways for solutions, ideas, and improvements. Everyone I work with brings a thoughtfulness and respect to their work and interactions with colleagues, creating a genuine motivation to rise to and uphold that standard.

As a father of a three and a one-year-old, life is always unpredictable. All of my peers, leaders and especially my director are extremely sensitive and accommodating and willing to go out of their way to make the tough parts of balancing parenthood and a profession easier to handle.

There are many reasons why I celebrate working at Elsevier but its emphasis on wellbeing is the chief cause among them. It is truly a special thing to have an employer that lets your voice be heard and your sentiments expressed which is why writing these words of praise comes so easy because they’re genuine. 

John Grooms: Scientific, Technical and Medical
Sr Manager, Customer Success - US

"We aren’t robots sitting at desks. Everyone has a bigger picture, and everyone has something going on that you might not know about."

I have worked at RELX for over 12 years now - much longer than I expected when I first joined. There are many reasons why I like working here. I find RELX to be a fair and professional company with a good heart.

In order to do your best work, it helps a great deal if other areas of yourself are prioritised too. It seems to me that if a company supports health and wellbeing, it’s a win-win situation for everyone.

My manager and my team have been fantastic at supporting my wellbeing and work-life balance, and I hope I have reciprocated in the same way. No one shies away from discussing and supporting each other with wellbeing and work-life balance. We can talk about a lot of things as a team (which is great as part of a communications team!). I feel that we have open discussions, support one another and always have each other’s back.

I recently attended a team call with my two-year-old daughter on my lap, as she had been sent home from nursery. No one batted an eyelid or made me feel that was bad or unprofessional. I appreciate their support. And I could have sent my apologies and not attended the call, but I preferred to join, and knew it would be ok. I have two young children and was welcomed back into my team so supportively after both my maternity leaves.

I deeply appreciate the support RELX has shown me through flexible working arrangements. I work a four-day week, which helps me balance work life and family life so much. There are many things that make RELX a great place to work, the company’s commitment to wellbeing is just one of those. When I look around me, I know that RELX is a good place to be.

Victoria Leonard: RELX
Internal Communications Manager - UK

"People are no longer just looking for a company that gives them the highest paycheck, the factors they look at when choosing a place to work have evolved."

I have been working at RELX for almost seven years, and what I appreciate most about this company is its culture. RELX embraces and celebrates diversity, making me feel included and heard. I also value the company's commitment to prioritizing employee health and wellbeing.

I make sure that open communication is a priority, that’s why I always invite my team members to share their feedback during our one-on-one coaching sessions and have an open-door policy that encourages them to approach me with their concerns and suggestions at any time.

Hybrid working has given my team the opportunity to save time and expense in commuting. My team members appreciate the time it offers them to take care of their families while being able to work in the comfort of their home. There has also been an increase in productivity since its implementation.

From how the company treats and values its employees, to adaptive and dynamic work arrangements, I’d like to believe that RELX has much to offer. That’s why a lot of people I know stay longer and, in some cases, come back into the company, because of the great value it provides.

Arron Angeles: Legal
Operations Supervisor I, MRA Law360 - Philippines

"In our team, we always practice being dependable. We help each other complete tasks within time constraints, creating an excellent environment that reduces stress and burnout."

I have been working at RELX for 5 years. The culture and environment cultivated by the company are truly remarkable. It is genuinely a great place to work.

Our current working arrangement provides us with ample time to pamper ourselves and attend to personal commitments with our families and loved ones. This flexibility also fosters a positive outlook on our day-to-day tasks, allowing us to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than problems.

Time and wellbeing are crucial factors in achieving the quality of life we all desire. RELX's dedication to fostering a healthy work-life balance and providing a supportive environment ensures that we can thrive both personally and professionally. By promoting employee wellbeing, RELX not only enhances job satisfaction but also drives greater productivity and innovation, making it a truly exceptional place to work.

Mike John Totto: Legal
Marketing Data Researcher, MRA Law360 – Philippines

"Beyond crises, our company consistently shows humanistic care for its employees, organizing various training and activities to promote physical and mental wellbeing. "

I joined RX in March 2005. RELX has focused on people-first principles - not solely profit-driven, but emphasizing employee welfare and wellbeing, striving to provide a comfortable office environment and promoting work-life balance. This approach fosters a strong sense of belonging.

RELX has demonstrated this through practical actions: during the pandemic, it closely monitored developments, swiftly arranging for employees to work from home when necessary. Flexible attendance policies were implemented for colleagues infected with COVID-19, under quarantine, or needing to care for school-aged children at home. Beyond crises, our company consistently shows humanistic care for its employees, organizing various training and activities to promote physical and mental wellbeing.

Kevin Lei: Exhibitions
Senior IT Manager - China

"Our flexible working arrangements have allowed us to adjust our schedules according to individual needs."

I have been with RELX for almost 5 years. One of the reasons I appreciate working here is the constant inspiration I get at every step of my career with the company.

Health and wellbeing are the foundation for every individual to function in day-to-day life. In the workplace, it enhances our productivity, fosters a positive work environment, keeps us satisfied and engaged, and ultimately contributes to long-term corporate success.

Remote work options at RELX have helped me reduce commuting time and associated stress. This not only saves time but also helps me cultivate healthier work-life balance by allowing more time otherwise consumed by commuting to personal engagements. For instance, I can spend my early morning hours working out, meditating, or even grabbing a cup of coffee with friends.

Prioritizing wellbeing fosters a positive atmosphere at RELX where we feel appreciated and have the capacity to enhance our performance, ultimately cultivating a vibrant organizational culture. This focus has increased RELX's attractiveness to both current and potential employees.

Olivia Dai: Risk
Assistant Industry Analyst, ICIS - China

"Health and wellbeing enable us to maximize our people’s potential and speaks for our company’s high-performance culture."

As a female employee and a mother of two boys, I believe that taking good care of myself and maintaining balance between work and life is critically important.

Last year I organized a session around mental health in the ICIS Shanghai office with a good participation rate. The topics covered were parenting, women’s social status and menopause. People were very happy to be able to talk about these life challenges and listen to each other’s stories. They greatly valued the event as they were able to learn more about how to take care of themselves and obtain work-life balance.

My team members love the company’s flexible work arrangements as this gives them plenty of time to do what they want, such as take a walk or ride their bicycle in the early morning before starting work, or parents can take time to pick their children up from school in the afternoon.

The company’s commitment to wellbeing makes it possible to achieve work-life balance. I now understand that balance doesn’t mean work is work and life is life. By learning the philosophy of balance, I find my can-do mindset has grown greatly.  

Yvonne Shi: Risk
Information Manager, ICIS - China