Balance Work and Family Life

1. Balance Workand Family Life Chapter 12

2. Work and Families Chapter 12.1

3. Work and Families Families do household and income-producing work. The work can be assigned so that there is balance in family members’ lives. The quality of family life and job performance are related.

4. The Value of Work Work is a valuable part of life: • Work brings purpose and order to each day • Work provides something worthwhile to do • Work provides income & other rewards • Work allows you to feel proud of a job well done. • Work can provide a sense of satisfaction or fulfillment for the contributions you make.

5. The Value of Work Work ethic is a set of values based on the moral virtues of hard work and diligence. It is an attitude that values hard work. People with good work ethic get things done!

6. The Value of Work There are two kinds of work for families: Household Work – work that must be done for the well-being of the people who live in the household. Income-Producing Work – This work provides money for needs and wants

7. The Value of Work Household Work – • Management skills for household work is similar to those for a business • Using resources wisely • Dealing with people • Scheduling • Cooperation • Visible Jobs: Meals, Cleaning, Laundry, lawn care, maintenance... • Less-visible jobs: paying bills, cleaning refrigerator, planning meals

8. The Value of Work Income-producing work– Amount of time required varies. • Full-time: more time, but benefits and money are greater; more expectations • Part-time: more flexibility, less time In many families, more than one income is necessary.

9. The Value of Work Who does the work? • Traditional pattern • Traditional pattern may not work! • Time available, skills • Single people do it all • Because there is no one to share! • All family members need to share in the work of the family

10. The Value of Work Assigning Family Jobs: • Sometimes influenced by tradition • Younger families are less tradition-bound • Time available and when it happens • Individual skills • Kids can make meaningful contributions • All family members need to share in household work!

11. The Value of Work Communicating about household work: • Agree on the household tasks that need to be done. • Understand family members’ feelings and ideas about household work. • Listen to suggestions for improving the system of getting the work done. • Remain aware of time commitments • Support each other when there are problems • Know what to do when problems arise.

12. Jobs and Family Life Income-producing jobs require a big time and energy commitment. So does household work. Combining the two is like having two full-time jobs! Problems happen when one person bears more of the load than the other.

13. Jobs and Family Life Family Life Affects Jobs: Home pressures reduce work effectiveness Family problems deplete emotional resources and cause distractions Lack of Family Training – has not learned good work ethic, etc.

14. Jobs and Family Life Jobs Affect Family Life: Job Loss – loss of family income; stress and anxiety Relocation – all family members may have to move Work challenges – deplete emotional energy for home Difficult Work Schedules – on call; conflicting work shifts; etc. Work Stress – tight deadlines, sales goals

15. Jobs and Family Life Need to balance Work and Family Life

16. Chapter Summary Section 12.1 – Work and Families • Work is valuable for the income and satisfaction it brings. • A work ethic is a set of values based on the moral virtues of hard work and diligence. • Families do household work and income-producing work. • Who does each type of work can be a source of debatein families. • Most families share both types of work. • Men and women, however, tend to do different types of tasks. Match the person to the skill needed. • Careers and family life affect each other. • Problems and issues in one area will impact the other.

17. Managing Busy Lives Chapter 12.2

18. Managing Busy Lives Managing the work at home depends on management skills and sharing the work. Families also use help from others to manage.

19. Employer Support What is going to be the priority in your life? Work or Family? You and your employer may have different priorities Most employers want their employees to be happy with their work and family life.

20. Employer Support Work Schedules • 8-5 Work schedules may create conflicts with family business (appointments, etc.) • Part-time work makes scheduling easier, but few benefits

21. Employer Support Other options: • Flextime – flexible working hours. Gives some control over time • Compressed Week – 4 ten hour days or 3 twelve-hour days… • Job Sharing – two people share the job – along with income & benefits

22. Employer Support Workplace Policies: • Leave of absence – employer provides time off for specific reasons • Limiting transfers • Workplace assistance for family problems • Can you think of anyother policy solutions?

23. Management at Home A balanced life depends on how the work is shared at home. Family members benefit when they each do their assigned jobs cheerfully.

24. Management at Home Guidelines for Managing at Home (p233) • List work to be done • Evaluate standards • Assign tasks to family members • Set up a schedule • Evaluate progress

25. Management at Home Tools for Managing at Home (p234) • A Family Calendar – accessible to all • Family Meetings – on a regular basis • Family Bulletin Board – for lists, etc • Family Message Center – notes, etc

26. Management at Home Child Care • Stay-at-home parent • In-Home Care • Family child-care homes • Child-care centers

27. Management at Home Other Tools for Child-Care • Adjusted Work Schedules • saves expenses • limits time as couple, family • After-school supervision • Transportation, cost • Employer Programs • Reimbursement – companies pay back expenses • Child care centers on-site

28. Help from Others Family Support Systems • Family, Friends, Neighbors • Just plain “help out” • Exchange time and services • Community Services • Commercial services • Agency / government services

29. Chapter Summary Section 12.2 Managing Busy Lives • It takes help and support to manage busy lives. • Employers help when they offer options in work hours such as flexible hours, a compressed week, or job sharing. • Some companies have policies to assist families. • These may include leaves of absence or services to help with problems. • Families can use tools for managing, such as family calendars, meetings, or bulletin boards. • Parents with children may need child care. • Support from others can help balance work and family lives.