Balancing Work and Life
1. Got Stress?
T+D, v60 n7 p30-36 July 2006
This article captures the roundtable discussion of the effects of stress and the insights of three professionals. They assert that stress levels in the workplace are higher now than in earlier generations even though there is no absolute proof. Why? While advances in technology were expected to make tasks easier or simpler, technology has ratcheted up competition and made being connected to work 24/7 commonplace, almost a necessity. The group suggests ideas to make work-life more flexible and balanced as a way of combating stress. A sidebar outlines ways to manage stress.
2. Balance Requires Evolving Skills
T+D, v60 n5 p66-67 May 2006
Development. Trying to achieve a realistic balance of work and life is challenging. The author urges focusing on two related elements -- finding daily achievement and daily enjoyment. The article offers suggestions to help shift from thinking to acting about these two elements.
3. Learning from Life
T+D, v60 n1 p90-91 January 2006
Development. This article asserts that leaders can channel their private life experiences and learn leadership skills and reduce stress. The authors specifically focus on: developing interpersonal skills; handling multiple tasks; leveraging background experiences; practicing leadership techniques; and then pulling these lessons together.
4. Fundamentals of Work-Life Balance
INFOLINE, 16p August 2004
Stock no.250408. This Infoline presents ideas to help define what having a balanced life means to you. It introduces tools to help create a personally customized work-life plan to get you and keep you on track. Topics covered include: identifying your roles or focus areas, defining your strategies within the focus areas, developing tasks, actions, and communications to support objectives, implementing your work-life plan, and maintaining the work-life plan. The job aids are a focus area mapping sheet and an objectives and Task, Act, and Communications (TACs) worksheet.
5. Father-Friendly
T+D, v58 n7 p10-12 July 2004
Intelligence. The focus of this article is on making the workplace more flexible for fathers. There are suggestions for ways employers can demonstrate openness by providing modified work schedules or leave arrangements fathers can request that match their parenting goals.
6. The Intrinsic Equation
T+D, v58 n7 p26-28 July 2004
Digital Beat. This article suggests ways to balance life and work by using technology effectively. It offers ideas on how to manage email messages and a list of 10 tips for work-life balance.
7. Keeping Work and Life in Balance
T+D, v58 n7 p32-35 July 2004
This article profiles the work-life programs at Lancaster Laboratories and Ernst & Young. While each program is different, they share the basic premise that happy, satisfied employees have a direct bearing on the financial success of the organization. The author asserts that in the future companies won't have the option to be flexible because flexibility will be a competitive necessity.
8. Meaningful Work
T+D, v57 n12 p52-58 December 2003
This article, first in a three-part series, takes an updated look at why people want meaningful work. Research finds that people seek control and meaning in their lives and work plays a significant role in making employees and employers thrive. The author emphasizes that employers and employees are not yet in synch which may demand a paradigm shift to close the gap.
9. Beyond Juggling
T+D, v57 n3 p68-70 March 2003
Development. Advises how busy people can manage the time demands of work and family. Work-life balance can be achieved by techflexing (or telecommuting), simplifying, alternating, outsourcing, or bundling.
10. Housekeeping 101
T+D, v56 n3 p64-66 March 2002
Your Career. This article explains how work-life balance issues cost businesses time and money, either indirectly through lost productivity or directly through employee assistance programs. The author presents tips and resources for managing housework.
