1. 1 Work Life Balance Anita Pickerden ECLO Conference 2009

2. 2 Research Question Where in a working life does work life balance become an issue?  Specifically, what about older workers as they prepare for retirement? ECLO Conference 2009

3. Definitions “…. a growing recognition that individuals require a satisfactory balance between the demands of work and those of the rest of life” “ Work life balance is about the challenges that face individuals when they are trying to hold paid work and home in domestic life in balance. “ ECLO Conference 20093

4. Policy Implications USA historical perspective Common Market / EEC / EU Policy UK Policy ECLO Conference 20094

5. 5 Policy Focus Is this just a gender issue? Supporting families? Getting more women into work Getting more work out of workers? Protection against claims for work place stress “Flexicurity” ECLO Conference 2009

6. 6 Life Phases Young People Mid – Career Older Workers Post Retirement ECLO Conference 2009

7. 7 Young People Career choice may influence work life balance later in life Career choice may be gendered Young people expect better work life balance than their parents ECLO Conference 2009

8. 8 Mid – career Does work interfere with life? Or does life interfere with work? “Middlescence” The loneliness of achievement ECLO Conference 2009

9. Older Workers A problem to managed or an asset to be valued? “The Final Five” Leaving a Legacy Easing gently or cold turkey? ECLO Conference 20099

10. Post Retirement Can you afford to retire when you want to? Balance between life and ? ? Access to services ECLO Conference 200910

11. Employers’ responses Legal minimum Flexible working practices Work life balance for all ECLO Conference 200911

12. 12 My Next Steps West Midlands Fire Service Questionnaire of all staff Detailed questionnaire of few Interviews Report “Call me Doctor!” ECLO Conference 2009