The Work / Life Balance

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by OI Partners, Inc.

Many of today’s workers are caught in the “sandwich generation,” worrying about childcare and eldercare at the same time. So how does balancing work and family affect the personal and professional lives of today’s workers?

OI Partners recently hosted a forum featuring Elizabeth McCarty, co-author of “Solving the Work/Family Puzzle.” McCarty discussed ways to recognize if an employer values a healthy work / life balance as much as you do.

Before the question of “What is Work / Life Balance?” can be addressed, one must recognize that the answer is unique for each of us. You must take into consideration such common elements of your job as average hours per week, travel, client and managerial responsibility, paid time off and deadlines, just to name a few considerations.

“Recent studies have shown that workers can work more hours with flexibility before feeling work / life conflict or burnout than those with limited or no work flexibility,” McCarty said.

So how can an employer help? By implementing a corporate work / life strategy focusing on the “3P’s”: Programs to support individuals’ life balance; Practices to guide the where and how (but not what) of work, and Policies to set the corporate ground rules and expectations.

What’s in it for both the employee and employer? The employee will have his or her needs met - from basic requirements to obtaining respect and flexibility and ultimately, enjoying a balanced work / life environment. The organization will reap the benefits of employees performing to their full potential, improved employee recruitment and retention strategies and differentiation from competitors to ultimately become an employer of choice.

About OI Partners

OI Partners is the talent management and leadership solutions firm that provides a better human experience for a better business outcome. Established in 1987, OI Partners Inc. is a corporation of leading career consulting, executive development, leadership development and outplacement professionals located in more than 180 locally-owned offices in 24 countries. For more information, please visit www.oipartners.net or call 800-232-5285.

Contact: Jill Van Nostran, 330-347-2386, jvannostran@oipartners.net