The Modern Day Balancing Act: Work and life
Gerald Lewis, Ph.D. (6/2003)

"Balancing work and family has grown into a national social and policy concern that involves every worker and every decision maker."

From: A Nation At Work by Schaffner and Van Horn

Workers in America average more hours at work than any other Western industrialized country. In a study done by the Families and Work Institute, 28% felt overworked and overwhelmed by work very often during the past three months and that these feelings take a toll on home life. Several other studies suggest the same findings… that work increasingly interferes with non-work commitments. Further, overworked employees not only might affect themselves and their families, but also the workplace it self that needs effective and highly productive individuals.

This is the current reality in which many individuals and families find themselves. So, what can be done about the increasing demands that are being placed upon workers. There are no easy answers, but here are some suggestions:

"The benefits of alternative work arrangements may include increased employee motivation, moral and organizational commitment, enhanced efficiency and job satisfaction, as well as reduced stress and absenteeism."