National Public Radio Series on Work-Life Balance

 Since I wrote about in my last post, I wanted to also let you know that National Public Radio did a great 3-part series on the topic just about a year ago.

The first program addressed how companies can (and sometimes can't) help employees develop more balance through flex-time and tele-commuting programs. It also discusses why such programs are often highly valued not only by working parents but by Gen Y (or "millenial") workers accustomed to more flexible, mobile working

 You can read and/or hear that show here.

The second program focused on "results-only work environments," which gives employees "the freedom to do their job when and where they want, as long as the work gets done." As workers note in the piece, this allows them to get their 40 hours in, but still spend time with their families. But from the human resources perspective, it also reduces "presenteeism," a condition in which a worker is physically in the office, but distracted by other matters.

You can read and/or hear that show here.

The third show gives a much-needed analysis of how hard it is to create family-friendly policies for low-income and hourly workers, due to the unpredicability of their schedules and the fact that they really do have to be at their workplaces, whether it's a hospital, packing plant, or gas station. Several studies on how to create more flexible work environments for these workers, too, are currently under way, however.

You can read and/or hear about that show here.

Taken together, the three shows provide a well-rounded analysis of what kinds of work-life balance programs and studies are underway, and just how such new efforts could transform American working life.