Better Balance, Better Business: Options for work-life issues

By admin • May 10th, 2009 • Category: Business

Better Balance, Better Business: Options for work-life issues
by: Alberta Human Resources and Employment (Contributors)

Better Balance, Better Business: Options for work-life issues
By: Alberta Human Resources and Employment (Contributors)
ISBN 10: 0778516067
ISBN 13: 9780778516064
Publisher: Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS)
Published: 2004
Pages: 48
Topics: Employment / Workplace / Communications / Human Resources
Intended Audience: Employers / Managers / Supervisors

Synopsis

The often conflicting demands of work and personal time commitments of employees can create stress and other issues for both companies and their staff. This publication presents employers with the business case for why they should care about this issue, ways to improve the situation that will benefit both employers and employees, and ideas about making useful changes.

The book is for employers and managers who are interested in learning more about how pressures at work and away from the worksite combine to affect the business operation, and what can be done to improve the situation.
It will help you:
• understand what work-life balance means—the relationship between work and society
• understand why the issue of worklife balance is important to the forprofit and not-for-profit working community
• explore how work-life issues might affect business goals
• acquire the knowledge needed to help you assist your workers in managing to work-life pressures
• consider a variety of practical options for your workplace
• apply the tools to create a useful plan for your organization
• connect with further information and resources.

Contents
Cover
Copyright Page
Options for work-life issues
Acknowledgements
Table of Contents
The Business Case for Balance
What is work-life balance?
It’s not my problem: Eight misperceptions
Perception: It’s a private issue.
Perception: It’s a parenting issue.
Perception: It’s a women’s issue.
Perception: It’s a stage in life.
Perception: It’s “fifty-fifty.”
Perception: Work and life are separate domains.
Perception: Technology will help.
Perception: Little can be done.
What’s in it for employers?
Costly consequences
Bottom-line benefits
How does your organization measure up?
Workable Options
Flex the time
Alternative work schedules
Compressed workweek
Voluntary part-time/reduced hours
Phased-in retirement
Flex the place
Telecommuting
Flex the job
Job redesign
Job sharing
Flex the benefits
Leaves
Dependent care
Employee assistance programs
Wellness programs
57 winning ideas
The Build-Your-Own Balance Plan
Step 1 Check it out: Needs assessment
Questions you need to ask
How to find the answers
Step 2 Figure it out: Plan the Right Mix
A custom fit
A culture fit
Policy guidelines
Step 3 Try it out: Implementation
Measuring return on investment
Step 4 Spell it out: Communication
Employee Proposals
Step 5 Work it out: Lead by example
Manager buy-in: 10 paths to enlightenment
Resources and Sources
Resources
Alberta Human Resources and Employment
Other Provincial Government Resources
Better Balance Sources
Websites
Publications
Selected research
Notes