Anxiety, fear, and frustration are abound, no matter the sector. Careers are being questioned, job security a concern and just the mention of any kind of work life balance – placed on the back burner.
But this is precisely the time when the integration of our working and living experience - becomes most important. And as if on cue, October happens to be National Work and Family Month.
Employer-sponsored work life initiatives such as child care, wellness programs, and flexibility initiatives are believed to enhance employee attraction, retention and productivity. You can read more about the benefits in the Families and Work Institute's 2008 National Study of Employers. This study tracked such work life initiatives over the last decade.
To learn about the companies which offer some of the best work life practices and programs check out Fortune Magazine's 100 Best Companies for Work For. This is a rundown of the top companies which is listed by state. Click here to view New York. From there you can access the other states.
The National Association of Mothers' Centers is also a good stop to delve into best practices on the elusive quest toward work life balance. Their annual work life conference is being held on Long Island on November 7th.
Are you work life balanced? There's really not such a thing. It's more a journey of evolution. Ask yourself the following questions in this Work Life Inquiry:
- Have you sacrificed family time for work?
- Have your personal friendships suffered due to work?
- Do you favor work above spending personal time?
- Are you dissatisfied with your weekly achievements at home and at work?
- Do your core working relationships need some attention?
- Do you wish your job was more fulfilling?
- Do you desire change but don't have time to make it happen?
- Do your working conditions need a tune up?
- Do you wish you were more engaged at your job?
- Do you have a stress reducing routine or practice at work?
If you answered 'yes" to questions 1-9 then you have some work to do. If you answered "yes" to #10 keep up the good work. Cultivating work life resilience is key to productivity and sanity at work. You'll hear more about that in my next article.
