By, Kiran B Kavya S Ranjini R Suresh A M Somanna P C

Balancing

Work|Life What? Why?? & How???

Does this Sound Familiar?

“There just aren’t enough hours in the day. I

hold down a full-time job. I h

elp care for my

grandchildren and my parents, who need

more help every year. Time for “me” is

pretty hard to come by.”

Retail department store manager, C

algary

“They downsized the staff but they

never downsized the work. I’m doing

work that two people used to do.”

Computer programmer, Edmonton

Employers say...

“Juggling competing demands is tiring if not stressful and brings

lower productivity, sickness, and absenteeism, so work/life

balance is an issue for all employees and all organizations.”

“Successful business

leaders do more than just

balance the books—they

also help their employees

to balance work-life issues.”

“You can have it all. You just can’t have it

all at once”-Oprah Winfrey

What?

A state of equilibrium in

which the demands of both

a person’s job and

personal life are equal.

Factors Contributing...

Three major factors contribute to the interest in, and the

importance of, serious consideration of work/life balance:

1) Global competition

2) Renewed interest in

personal lives/family

values

3) An aging workforce.

Terms Used Regarding Work|Life Balance

• Work/family

• Work/life initiatives

• Work/family culture

• Work/family conflict• Work/life balance from the

employee viewpoint

• Family-friendly benefits

• Work/life programs• Work/life balance from the

employer viewpoint

Perception towards WLB

Misperceptions

1. It’s a private issue.

2. It’s a parenting issue

3. It’s a women’s issue

4. It’s a stage in life

5. It’s “fifty-fifty”

6. Work and life are separate domains.

7. Technology will help.

8. Little can be done

What’s in it for Employers?

• Increased absenteeism

• Increased employee turnover

• Reduced productivity

• Increased disability costs

• Increased health costs

• Reduced job satisfaction

• Increased managerial stress

• Impaired family/social

relationships.

Workable Options

• Job redesign• Job sharing• Job rotation

• Leaves• Dependent care• Employee assistance

programs• Wellness programs

• Telecommuting• Alternative work schedules

• Compressed workweek• Voluntary part-time

reduced hours• Phased-in retirement Flex

the Time

Flex the

Place

Flex the Job

Flex the

Benefits

Build-Your-Own Balance Plan

Step 5 - Work it out: Lead by example

Manager buy-in: Paths to enlightenment

Step 4 - Spell it out: CommunicationEmployee proposals

Step 3 - Try it out: ImplementationMeasuring return on investment

Step 2 - Figure it out: Plan the right mix1. A Custom fit 2. A culture fit 3. Policy guidelines

Step 1- Check it out: Needs assessment1. Questions you need to ask 2. How to find the answers

Don't confuse having a career with having a life.