This article Nancy Lockwood presents an overview
of the growing importance of work/life programs to today's employees
and businesses, including a review of several recent studies
on current trends in work/life benefits. Lockwood's analysis
finds that work/life programs are an increasingly important part
of many organizations' efforts to compete in today's global marketplace.
The three critical factors she cites as leading this trend are:
- Global competition;
- Renewed interest in personal lives/ family
values; and,
- An aging workforce."
Work/life balance is defined as "a
state of equilibrium in which the demands of both a person's
job and personal life are equal."
Lockwood cites several studies that demonstrate
both the growing importance of family in Americans' lives and
the simultaneous increase in our dissatisfaction with the amount
of time we have to spend with our families. An imbalance between
work and family leads to a great deal of stress, which consequently
has an important negative effect on employee morale, productivity,
and job satisfaction. Employee Assistance Programs (or EAPs)
can help employees alleviate this stress by providing services
and referrals for many family, financial, legal, and stress-related
issues. Other work/life programs also have the ability to significantly
decrease stress for employees and consequently increase productivity
and morale.
According to the author, the most commonly
offered work/life programs include:
- Employee assistance programs;
- Dependent care flexible spending accounts;
- Flextime;
- Family leave above the minimum required
by the FMLA;
- Telecommuting; and,
- Compressed workweeks.
In order for an organization's work/life
initiatives to be worthwhile, it is crucial to evaluate whether
or not the organizational culture and senior management are truly
supportive of work/life programs. If not, the programs may be
implemented but not used. In addition, work/life programs must
be equitable, offering benefit to all employees rather than only
those who are also parents or caregivers. Work/life programs
must also be well communicated to employees.
The return on investment (ROI) of work/life
programs has been repeatedly demonstrated in recent studies.
These studies have shown that employees who use work/life programs
save a significant amount of time at work they might have spent
on personal matters. In addition, work/life programs help retain
employees, increase motivation and productivity, and reduce absenteeism.
Health care costs are also lowered as a result of lowered stress
among employees. Work/life initiatives also contribute to a positive
corporate reputation, public relations, loyalty, and recruitment.