...[pic] Work-life balance, employee engagement and discretionary effort A review of the evidence March 2007 Literature review by Dr Mervyl McPherson of the EEO Trust. Extracts from this publication may be copied and quoted with acknowledgement. ISBN No: 0-9582233-4-3 Equal Employment Opportunities Trust PO Box 12929 Penrose Auckland New Zealand Phone: 64 9 525 3023 Fax: 64 9 525 7076 Table of Contents Preface 3 Executive summary 4 1.0 Introduction 6 2.0 Definitions and evidence of relationships 6 2.1 Work-life balance 6 2.1.1 Productivity 7 2.1.2 Relationship between work-life balance and productivity 8 2.2 Workplace/work-life culture 11 2.2.1 Relationship between work-life balance and workplace culture 12 2.3 Discretionary effort and employee engagement: going the extra mile 16 2.3.1 Relationship between discretionary effort/employee engagement and productivity/profitability 20 2.3.2 Relationship between work-life balance and discretionary effort 21 2.3.3 Relationship between workplace culture and discretionary effort 23 2.4 Summary of inter-relationships of key factors 24 3.0 Changing a workplace culture 26 3.1 Case studies of culture change 27 4.0 Conclusion 29 5.0 References 30 Preface Employee engagement has been identified as critical to competitive advantage in a labour market where skilled, committed...
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...Canadian Work, Life Balance The role of work has been changing over the last few years due to economic, cultural and social conditions. In the past years, work was considered as a means of providing the necessities of life for survival. Today, work is still a necessity but there needs to be balance for our personal satisfaction. In order to attain such personal and professional goal, programs and policies have been implemented to facilitate the concept of work-life balance. Work-life balance has been defined by the Workplace Mental Health Promotion as: Work-life balance is a state of well-being that a person can reach or can set as a goal in order to allow them to manage effectively multiple responsibilities at work, at home and in their community. Work-life balance is different for everyone and it supports physical, emotional, family and community health and does so without grief, stress or negative impact (Workplace Mental Health Promotion, 2010). The issue of work-life balance has been discussed for many years by companies and strategists. All see the benefits of a work-life balance on their employees’ productivity and morale, thus see more happy healthy workers. According to the survey conducted by Nanos on “A snap-shot on work balance, Happiness and stress in Canada”, approximately 89 percent of Canadians are happy, depending on where one lives in Canada. 54 percentage of Quebec residents are most likely to be happy, while 39 percentage of British Columbians...
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...to create a productive and safe work environment. Human Resources must ensure that the workplace is free of harassment and bullying. Employees should feel comfortable and safe in their place of employment. Creating a productive working environment is beneficial to both the employee and the organization. Failing to take action in regards to workplace harassment and bullying leaves the organization liable for legal repercussions. Workplace harassment and bullying can often deter workers from committing violent acts against other employees and coworkers. Initiatives like Work-life balance can help to prevent workplace violence and harassment. Human Resources must do all that it can to ensure employees’ safety and to make the worker feel valued and supported at work and that federal guidelines are being followed. The Mariam-Webster dictionary defines harassment as creating an unpleasant or hostile situation for especially uninvited and unwelcomed verbal or physical conduct. It is the responsibility of the organization to immediately act on all claims of harassment. HR must be able to identify harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and violations of both federal and the organization’s policy. Harassment at work does not have to only be of a sexual nature. Workplace bullies can be employees, such as a bad boss or coworker, and sometimes a non-employee such as a client. Bullying at work is an increasing problem. Like childhood bullying workplace bullying is the tendency of individuals...
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...March 2010 | RE | Proposal to Write a Feasibility Report for an Employee Work/Life Balance Program | Overview The following is a proposal to conduct a feasibility study into the need for, and the benefits of, instituting an employee work/life balance program for Brahm Industries. This proposal contains background on the importance of employee work/life balance on productivity, my qualifications, costs associated with the study, and a schedule for completion of the feasibility study. Attracting and retaining talent is crucial to an organisation's success and with the current trends in the labour market, retaining talent and ensuring business continuity is an ongoing challenge that requires careful human resource management. Need for a Work/Life Balance Program Research shows that to maintain a healthy lifestyle balance, a 24 hour day should be divided into thirds: one third for sleep, one third for work and one third for play. The trend in today’s workplace is for employees to work longer hours and as a result, when they arrive home they do not feel like exercising or cooking quality meals. As well, many employees are not taking their holidays. These two issues result in lethargy and absenteeism due to health issues and impact on employee productivity. A healthy staff will reduce costs to the organisation and assist in meeting budget requirements. Research also shows that work-life balance is an area that has been increasingly recognised as strategically important in...
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...Executive Summary This assignment was made to explain and find the truth about the concept of work life balance which is meaningful for the worker. As many researcher and people arguing about this concept, The author comes to the decision which is disagree that work life balance is important for the worker. As a concept, the work life balance can be said has a great effect for the worker, but in real life work life balance was difficult to maintain. Not all worker can contribute their time only for working without having their socializing, and leisure. What more important nowadays is their health/ life. Life was more important than the work. Their life will always bigger than their work, trying to balance them is a failure method no matter how passionate we are about it or how successful we become. In fact, the more passionate we are about it, the bigger the life has to get. If we work too much, our personal life will be suffer. Work and life aren’t measure on the same scale because one is a subset of the other. Table of Content 1. Executive Summary............................................................................ 7 2. Introduction ........................................................................................ 9 3. Definition ............................................................................................ 9 4. Conclusion ............................................................................................
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...examines why work-life balance is essential for every employee. Some of the reasons why organizations should maintain a work-life balance for all the employees include stress reduction. It increases the ability of the employees to deliver while at the work place. It creates harmony between the private life of an employee and their work-life. It raises employee commitment in the organization, therefore, increasing productivity. It enhances flexibility among employees in the work place. A proper work-life balance also helps an organization attract and retain employee competitive employees in the organization. The paper also examines the different strategies that can be used by organizations to ensure better work-life balance for the employees. They include offering employees adequate vacation. Organizations can offer flextime for the employees as it enables them, enjoy their vacations. Proper staffing also ensures employees are not over worked. Introduction Work-life balance refers to a concept that entails prioritizing between career and lifestyle where lifestyle includes family, leisure or pleasure. The work-shy refer to the employees who are never inclined to work. It refers to a concept in Human Resource Management (HRM) that enables employees to manage their energy and time between work and other aspects of life. It involves efforts by an employee to create time for personal activities and the workplace. It is not true to state that work-life balance is only...
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...the two variables i.e. work life balance and teachers’ performance. The whole of the report tries to draw conclusions about to what extent both of the variables are correlated and in which direction these two variables are linked. Survey research method is being selected for this study along with self administered questionnaire to collect relevant and needed information. Researcher has remained successful in gathering valid and reliable data and then to critically evaluating the data. Univariate and bivariate tables are used to access the results of the study i.e. to study the relationship between level of work life balance and level of teachers’ performance. At the end Resercher has found the two variables linked closely together and moving in the same direction. That means the research hypothesis has been proved and it is concluded that there exists a strong relationship between the two variables under study. In more simple words, one may conclude about the study that a teacher having high level of work life balance performs better as compare to the teacher who has low level of work life balance. So, High level of work life balance causes high performance. . 1. Introduction This study of relationship between work life balance and teachers’ performance, explains the factors affecting the work life balance and teacher’s performance. Work-life balance for any person is having the 'right' combination of participation in paid work and other activities...
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...argumentative issue between the times spent working in the workplace and their work performance. This study is not specifically mentioned which relevant industry it’s referred to. The initial perception of being in this study is there is a positive correlation between the times spent working in the workplace and the work performance. This study also analyse about the working productivity between the two countries which possess a very distinct working culture - Japan and Malaysia. There are some factors that influence the employee behaviour in the workplace, and this includes the influence from social media and the work-life balance of the respective employees. Apart from that, the factors such as job satisfaction and remuneration, career growth and job satisfaction are chosen as the main motivators for the employees in this study. Background of the Issue Hardworking is being associated as an attribute in which every employer crave in every of their employees. Hardworking in the eyes of the employer means the employee must be willing to do the extra mile on their job - means their working hours being extended beyond their usual. But along this case lies the question underneath. Is the extra hour spent in the workplace increase the work performance of the employee? Or employee can just simply stay around in their workplace for the sake of showing that they are hardworking, whereas they are not doing anything productive in their workplace. An initial study by Frank and Lewis (2004) says...
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...another writer. I also certify that this paper was prepared by me specifically for this course. Student’s Signature: Instructor’s Grade on Assignment: Instructor’s Comments: Running Head: Work Stress and Conflict Work Place Elements of Conflict and Stress Submitted by: Managing Conflict and Change HRM 3100 December 01, 2008 Table of Contents Introduction () 4 Globalization () 7 Work-Life Balance ( 10 Coping with Downsizing and Restructuring 13 Work Conditions () 16 Summary () 20 References 22 Introduction Conflict and stress are an intricate part of everyone’s life. The level and domination of these two highly recognizable emotions vary throughout maturity and become greatly enhanced and more complex when one joins the workforce. Work-related stress is the response people may have when presented with work demands and pressures that are not matched to their knowledge and abilities. Work stress is recognized world-wide as a major challenge to workers’ health and the health of their organizations. Workers who are stressed are more likely to be unhealthy, poorly motivated, less productive, and less safe at work (Leka, Friffiths, & Cox, 2008). This paper is focused on the elements in today’s work environment that contribute to increased levels of conflict and stress. The level of...
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...examine the challenges and choices HR managers now face in regard to work life balance and wellness. I will analyse the main choices that HR managers have in order to deal with wok life balance and wellness and how they benefits the employees. This briefing paper is an overview of what I will include in my individual paper in which I will discuss the main choices in more detail. 2. Background This briefing paper is to prepare me for my final academic paper. This briefing paper will be correctly referenced and will inform my tutor on how I will complete my final paper due in week 14. Once I have completed this paper I will write an action plan which will give the details of the various tasks I will undertake and I will also allocate deadlines in order to complete those tasks. For my individual paper I have chosen to critically examine the challenges and choices HR managers now face in regard to work life balance and wellness. My briefing paper will focus on the above title and I will cover many areas which include what I know about the subject already, what my arguments could be and my supporting evidence, drafting the final individual paper and I will also include a paragraph which will be the introduction to the final paper. 3. Findings 3.1 - What the assignment is asking me to do This assignment is asking me to critically examine the challenges and choices HR managers now face in regard to work life balance and wellness. In this assignment I will analyse my chosen topic and...
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...Under Pressure Implications of Work-Life Balance and Job Stress Human Solutions™ Report | 2006–07 Fall 2006 Dear Valued Customer: Welcome to the first Human Solutions™ Report: Under Pressure. Implications of Work-Life Balance and Job Stress. The report was written by Graham Lowe, PhD, a thought leader in the arena of workplace health and productivity. This is the first of a series of empirical reports that we will publish for you on an annual basis, each on a relevant and timely topic or theme. The Human Solutions™ Report stems from our pledge to bring you relevant and practical recommendations concerning your most significant human capital-related issues. And it reflects our attempt to counter the wealth of unsubstantiated and potentially misleading information about workforce issues circulating in the general media and other sources. In this Human Solutions™ Report , we analyze two comprehensive Canadian workforce surveys using key questions pertaining to work-life balance and job stress. We recognize that quality of work-life is a pressing business issue for you and a necessary ingredient for a successful business strategy. Yet to craft effective solutions to work-life issues, it is paramount that you have solid evidence on the scope and nature of the problems that are faced. This is what the Report endeavours to provide. As a customer whose opinions are important to us, we welcome your feedback. As well, we look forward to hearing about topics and issues you would...
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...2003 Research Quarterly ❶y❸❹ Work/Life Balance Challenges and Solutions Nancy R. Lockwood HR Content Expert y SOCIETY FOR HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SHRM Research ❶y❸❹ 2003 SHRM®Research Quarterly Abstract In organizations and on the home front, the challenge of work/life balance is rising to the top of many employers’ and employees’ consciousness. In today’s fast-paced society, human resource professionals seek options to positively impact the bottom line of their companies, improve employee morale, retain employees with valuable company knowledge, and keep pace with workplace trends. This article provides human resource professionals with an historical perspective, data and possible solutions—for organizations and employees alike—to work/life balance. Three factors—global competition, personal lives/family values, and an aging workforce— present challenges that exacerbate work/life balance. This article offers the perspective that human resource professionals can assist their companies to capitalize on these factors by using work/life initiatives to gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Work/Life Balance: Challenges and Solutions I n a society filled with conflicting responsibilities and commitments, work/life balance has become a predominant issue in the workplace. Three major factors contribute to the interest in, and the importance of, serious consideration of work/life balance: 1) global competition; 2) renewed interest in personal...
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...IMPACT OF WORK LIFE BALANCE ON WORKING WOMEN: AN OVERVIEW Dr. Anju Sigroha*, Ms. Yogita Girdhar** and Dr. Sneha Sangwan*** ABSTRACT Female participation in the workplace has grown dramatically over the past couple of decades. This growth has been especially noticeable in the professional and managerial fields where women now occupy a significant number of positions. The increased female workforce participation has been accompanied by its own challenges like managing time, roles & responsibilities at workplace & at home. Work life balance is seen more as women issue due to the traditional mindset, where the woman is considered primarily responsible for the smooth running of the day to day affairs of the family irrespective of her job profile and official responsibilities. However, over the years, women have started receiving support & understanding at home, especially from their spouses. Nonetheless, there are some unspoken challenges which need to be dealt with constantly. If family responsibilities are allowed to interfere with work responsibilities on a regular basis, it may hinder women’s career progression, lower the job satisfaction levels, result in lack of concentration at work, increase absenteeism & may eventually lead to turnover. No matter how well they prove themselves, women find it increasingly difficult to climb up the career ladder as they are perceived to be more committed towards family than workplace. Even at family front, a working woman has to always...
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...This paper addresses the issue of Work-Life Balance, an area of special interest highlighted by the Navy Civil Engineer Corps’ Women Professional Network (WPN). Through several phone conferences with and input from Civil Engineer Corps (CEC) officers across the Navy and some initial website research, this paper defines work-life balance, assesses the relevance and importance to an officer in the CEC, and provides potential recommendations for consideration. What is Work-Life Balance? Work to live, don’t live to work. The first step is to define work-life balance and understand why it’s important. A good work-life balance means that you have control over your workplace conditions and that you are equally satisfied with your work life and with your home life. Work-life balance means that you have and understand the many benefits of having varied interests and ways to spend your time outside of work. It means you value having other things to focus on, and that you are consequently a happier and more fulfilled person. With this lifestyle comes a greater sense of inner security and confidence and these qualities tend to play out in the way you interact with people, the way you handle stress and problems, and in the way you are perceived as a military officer and leader. Philosophically, you, your home, the organization you work for, and society benefit when you have a balanced work-life. What makes a good work-life balance? This depends on your personal...
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...employee needs, morale and expectations and to negotiate appropriate work arrangements for motivating employees as part of performance recognition. The following paper presents a discussion on the importance of employee motivation in the workplace. The discussion is mainly based on literature review and points that employee motivation is necessary for improved work performance. The paper has explored the important contributing played by work-life balance and financial incentives in improving employee motivation. The research indicates that the two factors foster loyalty by employees, increased performance and commitment, which are essential indications of motivation. The concept of Employee Motivation and Rewards Most discussions of motivation begin with the concept of individual needs – the unfulfilled physiological or psychological desires of an individual. Content theories of motivation use individual needs to explain the behaviours and attitudes of people at work. The basic logic is straightforward. People have needs. They engage in behaviours to obtain extrinsic and intrinsic regards rewards to satisfy needs (Schermerhorn et al, 2011). According to Jenkins, Mitra, Gupta and Shaw (2001) employee motivation is an intrinsic drive and enthusiasm to successfully accomplish tasks related to work. Greene (2001) has defined it as an internal drive which causes individuals to take initiatives in the workplace. In their article, Rynes, Schwab and Heneman...
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