October is National Work and Family Month Flexibility is Key to Work-life Effectiveness
Scottsdale, Ariz. – Work-life balance and flexibility is the theme at many companies this month as organizations observe National Work and Family Month with a variety of programs and special events.
The month of October provides annual recognition of the importance of employer-sponsored work-life programs in attracting, motivating and retaining top talent. The U.S. Senate designated October as National Work and Family Month in 2003 to recognize that helping employees achieve work-life balance should be a national priority.
Employers who want to explore different ways to bring more work-life balance to their workplace can visit the Alliance for Work-Life Progress (AWLP) Web site for ideas and free resources.
AWLP suggests some of the following ways to raise more awareness about work-life balance in the workplace:
Take the work-life self-audit to help assess the progress of your organization’s work-life effort.
Take advantage of the month to draw attention to what you already offer. Publicize work-life programs and practices in various formats during the month, such as the president’s blog or the company intranet.
Solicit family photos of employees' families for posting on the company intranet featuring photo captions explaining how an employer’s programs and practices have helped the employee balance work and family needs.
Create an online newsletter to share "best manager" stories; showcase pilot results and other success stories related to flexible work arrangements;.
Conduct focus groups asking how your organization can better help employees effectively manage work, family and personal life, turn their comments into company initiatives and roll one out each week.
Employers and human resource managers who wish to learn about effective flexible work arrangements may register for a Webinar presented by Susan Seitel and Rachel Hastings of WFC Resources.
Flexible Work Arrangements: Helping Managers Achieve Results
Oct. 25, 2007 Live Event (On-Demand available following live event)
Noon – 1:30 p.m. Eastern | 9 – 10:30 a.m. Pacific
Media may request a complimentary registration to the live webinar or the playback by sending an e-mail to mrhodes@worldatwork.org.
About Alliance for Work-Life Progress Alliance for Work-Life Progress (www.awlp.org) is dedicated to advancing work-life effectiveness as a strategy for better integration of work, family and community. AWLP, an entity of WorldatWork, serves as a national center of work-life expertise that defines and recognizes innovation and best practices, facilitates dialogue within the diverse work-life community and promotes work-life thought leadership.
