The following is a brief excerpt from HRN’s July HR Industry White Paper written by Mike Dougal, HRN Director of HR Consulting. To read the complete white paper simply go to: http://www.hrnonline.com/promo/freeNewsletter.asp and sign up to receive HRN’s free monthly HR Industry White Paper and/or HR Legal Update via email.
The challenge of balancing work and personal life is a reality for most working families. Although not a new challenge, the increase in dual career families, single parents and a stressed economy has accelerated the challenge into the forefront. Work-life balance (WLB) has become an area of concern for both workers and their employers.
Consider these statistics from a 2008 Survey by FedEx Office:
- 86 percent of survey respondents plan to actively pursue a better work-life balance in 2009.
- 47 percent of respondents desire more of a balance between work and life outside of their job in 2009 than they did in 2008.
- 58 percent of 18- to 34-year-olds believe it will be more important to find better work/life balance in 2009, compared to 46 percent of those aged 35 to 54, and just 30 percent for the 50-and-over group
The problem for some lies in the fact that many employers still view the “ideal worker” as one who works long hours and is supported by a spouse who takes responsibility for child rearing and other family issues. But let’s face it, June Cleaver has traded her apron for business-casual attire and Ward is finally learning his way around the kitchen.
