Why Help People Achieve Work/Life Balance?

More and more companies are realizing that by making it easier for employees to live a balanced life, the employees: * have less stress (they stay focused on work when they're at work) * stay healthy (they get sick less often, and call in sick less often) * stay with the company (there is a higher retention rate) All of these things are great for employers. I know it's a cliché, but it's true: it's win-win. What Types of Practices Do Employers Put in Place? There are a variety of things that companies do to help their employees balance their work/life. Some of these include: Flex time: Employees choose their start times, lunch hour, and finish times, and can vary this from day to day. Typically, the times are within certain parameters (i.e. 6 a.m. = the earliest start time; 7 p.m. = latest finish of an 8-hour slot). Comp time: When employees work overtime, they can take an equal amount of time off on another day, or spread the time to more than one day. Job Sharing: Instead of one full time employee, a particular job is shared by two part time employees. Telecommuting: The employee works at home, using a computer and phone to stay connected. Technology has enabled telecommuting to be easily accomplished for many jobs. Compressed Working Hours: This concept allows employees to work their total number of weekly hours over fewer days. For example, one person may work a 4-day week, while another may work 9 days over a 2-week period. Annualized Hours: An employee's total working hours are calculated over a year instead of a week. They work according to the peaks and valleys of activity over a year's time. What Else Have Some Employers Done? Some large employers have conveniences available for employees right in the building. Many have workout facilities. I've heard that SBC in Chicago has a hair salon/barber shop. Some have a dry cleaning pick up & delivery service. Others have a concierge service that helps with running errands, making doctor's appointments, or finding an electrician or plumber. I've also seen (and used!) a chair massage service that was brought into a company weekly.