work life balance public and media debate

The rise and morphing of the “Work Life Balance” media debate

“Is ‘Balance’ Bunk?” That was the jist of a panel discussion I was invited to participate on at the Psychologically Healthy Workplace Conference (#PHWP), hosted by the American Psychological Association.

David Ballard PsyD, MBA (@DrDavidBallard) moderated, as Cali Yost Williams, Founder of WorkLife Fit Inc. (@CaliYost), Matthew Grawitch Ph.D. (@DocGrawitch) and yours truly – Judy Martin (@judymartin8) explored the work life conversation, past and present - while discussing legislative proposals in the face of the hard realities of doing business in America.

Being the media maven on the panel, I offered a glimpse into the history of “work-life,” often referred to as “work-family.” From the days when work life balance was all about moms, to the feminist take (just think of the Enjoli commercials – I mentioned the ad in my presentation) to today’s First Family… telecommuting…flexibility…reduced work week – there’s a lot to reflect upon.

Here’s a brief few minutes of my presentation.

http://www.wlbconsultants.com Chrysula Winegar

As you highlight the mix needed – appropriate legislation married with commercial realities and talent management needs – and drop in the motivation and incentive of great media, this add powerfully to the overall business case.

Judy, this evolution of the conversation is pitch perfect (and makes we want even more to have attended the event). Thanks for sharing. I’ll be posting on my FB fan page http://www.facebook.com/worklifebalance tomorrow.
http://germaneconsulting.com Anne Perschel

As Einstein said, “We cannot solve a problem using the same thinking that created it.” Work-Life-Flow, explained below, is an alternative to the myth of Work Life Balance.

The History of Work
The compartmentalization of work vs. life is a relatively new concept brought on by the industrial revolution. In early subsistence cultures (and in some remaining tribal cultures) work was not separated from living; it enriched as well as enabled life. Even when not actively working to hunt or gather berries, people (including children) made tools and practiced rituals aimed at a better outcome of the hunt or berry-picking venture. As they did so, they sat together telling stories that built community, culture, norms, and a shared history, strengthening the bonds among them and deepening the purpose and meaning of their work and their lives as a whole.

The Myth of Work Life Balance
60 – 90% of managers through the executive levels report working over 50 hours per week. This is an even bigger problem for women managers and execs, 90% of whom are managers of all things home and family as well.

Work-Life-Flow, blends and blurs the boundaries between work, family, fun, socializing, etc. An article on this topic, how it’s done and companies that are doing it, will appear in the June issue of Global Business and Organizational Excellence. It features an interview with Tony Hsieh CEO of Zappos who has created a life style company. I will also be posting on this topic at http://www.germaneconsulting.com over the next few weeks as part of the Corporate Soul Movement.

On a personal note — going to work with my Dad who manufactured mattresses and box springs is among the fondest of my childhood memories. We also loved riding in the back of his truck (all 4 of us) when he made deliveries.

http://www.judymartinspeaks.com Judy Martin

Hello Anne,
I agree with the conceptual model of “flow.” The work life culture of our ancestors as you point out was that of meaning & purpose toward the “whole,” not only of the individual being, but in alignment with community survival and the deepening of relationship and shared purpose. The ebb and flow of life in general simply included the work of survival. In the days of Tielhard de Chardin – work started to be associated with the spiritual path and vocation, Matthew Fox revisited that in his book, The Reinvention of Work.

I think we all just need a nudge to remind us of our humanity. As you cite, Zappos has done this well in creating a corporate culture which embraces the human-ness of its employees. Some companies are doing this but for most others – a long road ahead. Thanks for your comments.