A good work-life balance means having the freedom and support to manage both your job and your personal life in a way that makes sense. It’s about being productive without sacrificing health, time with family, or the ability to fully disconnect outside of work hours.

As the structure of our working lives changes - especially with the rise of remote work, increased use of technology and shifting expectations - the boundary between work and home life can get blurry. That’s why the idea of separating work from private life is more relevant than ever. When employees can genuinely switch off, take time for rest and spend their spare time without feeling overwhelmed, they tend to be more engaged, healthier and more productive when they are on the job.

Work-life balance affects more than just individuals - it affects companies too. Employers that invest in supporting a balanced workforce see better staff retention, reduced absenteeism, improved mental health outcomes, and stronger long-term performance across teams.

What the research tells us

Recent research highlights both the positive effects of a healthy work-life balance and the negative consequences of getting it wrong:

• Mental Health UK's Annual Burnout report took the pulse of the UK's mental health and found that just 33% of younger workers were able to switch off from work once they had finished, with further stress linked to long hours, unclear expectations and lack of time to switch off.
• A report by CIPD noted that workers who feel supported by their managers in balancing personal and professional demands are 2.3 times more likely to stay with their employer.
• According to the Mental Health Foundation, overwork and long working hours are among the leading contributors to poor mental health, with knock-on effects on physical health, sleep quality and family relationships.

The message is clear: when companies build flexibility into the structure of the job - and actively encourage people to take rest, protect their weekends and stop thinking about tasks after hours - everyone benefits.

How Lanes Group supports work-life balance

At Lanes, we understand that life doesn’t pause outside of work hours - and that trying to maintain balance shouldn’t feel impossible. We’re committed to helping our people find stability, fulfilment and structure in their roles without it taking over their private life.

We don’t just talk about work-life balance - we’ve built policies and support systems to make it happen:

• Mental health support that’s proactive: we’ve created a strong mental health culture with resources available for anyone struggling with stress, family demands, or burnout.
• Careers that suit different lifestyles: from drainage engineering to support roles, we offer a wide range of opportunities so people can find a job that works with the life they already have - whether that includes family, study or other commitments.
• Real flexibility, not just buzzwords: many of our teams operate shifts that allow for structured time off, predictable work hours and an ability to fully unplug during weekends and rest days. We recognise that time away from work is what makes people sharper and more effective when they’re on the job.
• Personal development that fits your life: whether you’re just getting started or returning to work, we offer accessible training that fits around your schedule.
• Support for underrepresented groups: we’re creating routes for more women to enter the drainage and utilities sector, with structured support that helps you grow your career while balancing home life and other responsibilities.
• Supportive managers and a culture of care: you’ll find real people behind our policies. Many of our staff stories speak to how our teams rally together, respect boundaries and create an atmosphere that puts people first.

Join the team at Lanes

If you’re searching for a job that gives you structure, a steady income and the ability to enjoy your life outside of work, Lanes Group might be a good fit. We’re one of the UK’s leading drainage and wastewater specialists - and we know that people do their best work when they’re supported. We have open roles in our depots all across the country.

We offer training from day one, with real opportunities to move up - no matter where you start. Whether you’ve worked in utilities before or you’re trying something new, we’ll help you build a solid future that works for you. Fair wages, flexible hours, a team that backs you, and a culture that respects time off - it’s all part of what we offer. Not to mention a secure career in an industry that's in demand, where you will develop skills that will make you highly employable across the engineering, drainage and wastewater sector.

So if you’re ready for a role where your personal life matters as much as your performance, take a look at our open roles. You might just find the ideal balance here.

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