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WorkLife Balance isnt a PR Slogan Its LIFE

Written by: David Bohl

Article Overview: There are companies out there on that embody philosophies that allow their employees to lead well-balanced, fulfilled lives. They have paid attention to what is most important - the needs of their workforce - and designed situations and opportunities to enable individuals to create more time for family, community, and themselves. These corporations have benefited immensely from these cultures. There are other employers however, who adopt work-life balance as Human Resources directives or Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), but not as overall corporate strategy or a way of life. These corporations are increasingly being left behind. For all parties involved, there is still much work to be done, and at many levels. For further solid progress to be accomplished, several truths must be agreed upon by employees and employers alike.

WorkLife Balance isnt a PR Slogan Its LIFE

There are companies out there on that embody philosophies that allow their employees to lead well-balanced, fulfilled lives. They have paid attention to what is most important - the needs of their workforce - and designed situations and opportunities to enable individuals to create more time for family, community, and themselves. These corporations have benefited immensely from these cultures.

There are other employers however, who adopt work-life balance as Human Resources directives or Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), but not as overall corporate strategy or a way of life. These corporations are increasingly being left behind.

For all parties involved, there is still much work to be done, and at many levels. For further solid progress to be accomplished, several truths must be agreed upon by employees and employers alike.

The single-most essential premise that must be established is that work-life balance is not only possible, but that it is applicable, appropriate, important, and significant to all workers.

Misconceptions run rampant that work-life/ work-family balance isn't for senior management. The attitude continues to exist that to get ahead, one must be either a workaholic or a prisoner to success.

Another fallacy is that Work-Life directives typically mean "family-friendly" guidelines, such as flexible hours, telecommuting, time off and leaves, child care support and assistance - those initially or primarily designed for women or parents with young children.

Fortunately, traditional definitions of what it takes to succeed in the corporate world are being questioned. Some of us have realized that we want to be involved with our families without sacrificing income or opportunity for advancement. Time has become the new currency in our lives, and we want more of it. It's wonderful for those who can figure out how to make quality time with their families and still stay on a rising career path. The reality of the situation for most, however, is that challenging discussions need to occur and tough decisions need to be made about one's life and lifestyle.

Both individuals and organizations must acknowledge and focus on these matters of importance as the Work-Life/ Work-Family conversation heats up.

"Work" and "Life" are not mutually exclusive - we needn't choose between the two, nor should we put them at odds with one another. "Work" isn't "good" if you're an employer, nor is "life" evil. The corollary is true for us as individuals.

Whether the discussion is framed as "Work-Life Balance" or "Family-Life Balance" or "Work-Home Balance", the common denominator for all of us is LIFE.


Copyright 2007 David B. Bohl, Reflections Coaching, LLC. All rights reserved.

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