Work / Life Balance

The issues surrounding work/life balance are not gender specific.

Work/life balance covers a range of workplace issues, including flexible work practices such as job sharing, telecommuting, part-time options, and programs for working parents, mature age workers and programs enabling corporate volunteerism.

58% of all employees feel that the pressure of work detracts from their family and personal life. Many companies are recognising the importance of this issue and are looking to help their employees work better by restoring balance to their lives.

There are bottom line benefits for companies that encourage their employees to create balance through flexible work options. For every $1 a company spends on flexible work practices there is a return of between $2 to $6 through reduced absenteeism, increased motivation and higher retention rates.

Companies that offer their employees flexible work practices attract the best recruits and have higher levels of staff morale. A recent US survey of 2600 workers in the 18-24 age group found that 82% counted flexible working arrangements as a key factor influencing their dedication to their job.

It is also the case that the majority of families with children have two parents in the workforce. This means that both men and women are demanding greater balance between work and family.

Diversity@work can help companies develop work/life balance strategies that meet the needs of employees. Flexible work practices benefit the entire workforce by increasing well being and productivity.