Do you have multiple demands made of you on a daily
basis? Work, children, elderly
parents, partner, housework, voluntary work and/or study? When there are multiple competing
responsibilities weighing on you, this places huge amounts of stress on you and
your family. Work-life conflict is
a problem that impacts everyone.
According to a 2012 Canadian study of 25,000 employed
participants on work/life balance, (“The 2012 National Study on
Balancing Work and Caregiving in Canada” by Linda Duxbury, PhD, Professor, Sprott School of
Business, Carleton University and Christopher Higgins, PhD, Professor,
Ivey School of Business, University of Western Ontario), one in three
respondents were considered to be in the ‘Sandwich Generation.’
The Sandwich Generation is the one that spends
time each week taking care of both children and aging parents. Balancing that plus work and all other demands in their
lives has made the balancing act between work and life balance extremely
challenging. This problem seems to be one that is growing despite more
awareness of the importance of work/life balance.
Two important demographic factors contributing to the growth
of this Sandwich Generation are that people are waiting until their early
thirties or older to have children and life expectancy has increased over time. This means that the number of employees
who are faced with balancing the demands of the three high energy roles,
Employment, Childcare and Eldercare is likely to increase over the next decade.
With this being a reality, employers need to give more tangible attention to
work life issues in order to remain competitive.
So, what is work/life balance? It is being able to meet the needs and wants of those who
are important to you, including your own, in a realistic manner. It’s a state of satisfaction and
harmony within the areas of your family, work, social, health, financial and
spiritual well-being. Work/life
balance means that you are able to enjoy the peace and harmony that comes from
a balanced lifestyle providing you the opportunity to focus your energy and
time on what is most important to you – not just what is urgently requiring
your attention.
So where do you start?
There is no quick fix for those who are pulled in multiple directions
however keep in mind G.E.M., the following 3 mantras:
Gratitude – Energy – Management
Gratitude – adopt an
attitude of gratitude for what you have rather than what you have not. Be hopeful, never give up on what you
are determined to achieve for yourself.
Energy –
Surround yourself with people who provide you with energy rather than draining
it away from you. Maintain your
physical energy by eating a healthy diet, drinking enough water, and take time
to rest and relax. Remember that
YOU are the most important person in your life no matter who else is demanding
your attention.
Management – Adopt
the most effective way to manage your time. Prioritise and schedule in specific times for your physical and
mental recouperation. Whether you
follow the insights of Steven Covey with his First Things First principles or
another method, find one that works best for you and stick to it.
Are there places where you can work that assist in the quest
for valuable work/life balance?
Well, for your interest, according to the following May 2011 article in
the Business Review Australia by Michaela McNamara, these are the top 10 places
to work:
1.
Google
Apparently
the best place to work on the planet! When Google succeeds, its employees
succeed. In addition to a unique corporate culture of perks (think free daily
lunches), fun and reward for its staff, Google boasts unparalleled facilities
and conditions that make it one of the best environments to work in.
An ever
bigger perk? Top notch salaries and bragging rights for working at the coolest
company in the world—and one that values its employees above all else. On
Google’s website, the company says, “Appreciation is the best motivation, so
we’ve created a fun and inspiring workspace you’ll be glad to be a part of,
including on-site doctor; massage and yoga; professional development
opportunities; shoreline running trails; and plenty of snacks to get you
through the day.”
2.
Coca-Cola
South Pacific
As one of
the world’s most recognizable brands, you’ve got to give your employees
perks—and Coke sure does. Aside from having access to all the Coke you could
ever drink, Coca Cola holds meetings in some of the best properties on the
planet. The 401K matching plan, stock and pension plans are quite generous.
3.
Morgan
Stanley Australia
Though
Morgan Stanley is a leading financial firm, its employees know how to relax and
enjoy—thanks to company perks. Tenured employees receive up to six weeks of
paid time off a year, and those employees who work 20 hours or more per week
are eligible for flextime, job-sharing, compressed work-weeks, and
telecommuting.
4.
Yahoo!7
Yahoo! is
committed to empowering its employees through programs, products, and services
that inspire them to make a positive impact on their communities. Yahoo! also
channels the generosity of its employees through the Yahoo! Employee
Foundation, a grassroots philanthropic organization that brings together the
talents, time, and financial resources of employees.
5.
Ezypay
The outsourced direct
debit service provider really cares about its “Ezyplayers,” offering
everything from fresh snacks daily to Dollars for Dazzlers—an employee reward
program where employees are rewarded for referring another star recruit to Ezypay.
Staff are also eligible for weekly recognition awards, monthly “values” awards
and quarterly target rewards.
6.
Deloitte
The
benefits are endless. Policies are in place for flexible hours, telecommuting,
parental leave and beyond. The company also offers all employees the option of
salary sacrifice up to 10 days additional annual leave a year, in addition to
the standard 20 days. Fitness and banking discounts are available through
partner programs.
7.
Bluefin
Resources
Here’s
something you don’t hear often: “Unlike many agencies, you won’t find a culture
of long working hours at Bluefin.” The recruitment agency empowers account
managers to choose their own specialisation and grow their own areas. Employees
can choose to pursue both new business and account management with no
geographic boundaries.
8.
Russell
Investments
Russell
Investments values each associate as an individual—one with a life outside the
company. Russell Investments believes “that people who have happy, fulfilled
family lives make better associates.” They also receive an annual $1,000
lifestyle allowance to spend on any activity that enhances their wellbeing.
9.
Swaab
Attorneys
The young
law firm prides itself on offering leading edge technology and systems to make
work more efficient and easier, as well as appropriate training with a generous
subsidy for the cost of personal development. Swaab provides regular social
events and in-house lunches with speakers and subsidised gym memberships.
10.
Altis
Consulting
This
company knows that happy engaged staff drives robust customer relationships and
ultimately company success. Even though Altis Consulting competes in the
information technology industry, a significant amount of the formal training
and skills development opportunities are in the soft skills area which the
company believes provides it with a competitive advantage.
It is heartening to know that there are employers who do
their best to provide opportunities for growth, recognition and reward as well
as work/life balance opportunities.
What can you do to even out the demands made of you to
create an even balance?
Jane is
Director of Style Success, Coaching for Personal and Professional Success. Follow her at www.facebook.com/careercoachsydney
or visit www.stylesuccess.biz
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