The Work/Life Balance Dilemma HRPYR Topic by Table Thursday, April 17, 2008

Definition of Work Life Balance Work life balance is a misnomer. Preferred definitions are as follows: work life integration life balance We need to acknowledge that definitions of work life balance are different amongst individuals and to a large extent is an individual matter related to career stage, level of conscientiousness, ability to cope with stress, etc.

Why is work life balance important? Retention Attraction More and more people are factoring work life balance as an issue in accepting a job

Our Discussion Work life balance has to extend from the leadership downwards. There needs to be an understanding amongst leaders that they are a role model for employees. Workplace practices and work place culture are the drivers of work life balance. The size of the organization and the industry sector are not critical considerations in work life balance initiatives. While we talk about work life balance we do not train managers and supervisors about how to identify and or respond to work life balance issues. Different employee groups have different expectations regarding work life balance, for example Gen Yers are more likely to make work life balance an issue whereas boomer employees are more likely to “do as they are told” and not raise the issue. Regarding the reluctance to bring up work life issues, people often feel that if they raise the issue of work life balance they may be perceived as incompetent and not up to doing the job.

Whose Responsibility is it? Responsibility for work life balance is shared between the employer and employee with the larger part of responsibility resting with the employee. Some people feel it is 100% with the employee. Others felt it ranged anywhere from 50 – 50 to 80 – 20 employee – employee.

References An Examination of Regional Differences in Work Life Practices by Dr. Linda Duxbury, Dr.Chris Higgins Best Advice on Stress by Dr. Martin Shain travail/stress-part-1/index_e.html - 15k -

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