BALANCE WORKAND FAMILY LIFE

Chapter 12

WORK AND FAMILIES

Chapter 12.1

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.

The Value of WorkWork 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.

The Value of WorkWork 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!

The Value of WorkThere 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

The Value of WorkHousehold 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

The Value of WorkIncome-producing work– Amount of time required varies.

Full-time: more time, but benefits and money are greater; more expectations

Part-time: more flexibility, less timeIn many families, more than one

income is necessary.

The Value of WorkWho 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

The Value of WorkAssigning 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!

The Value of WorkCommunicating 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.

Jobs and Family LifeIncome-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.

Jobs and Family LifeFamily Life Affects Jobs:Home pressures reduce work

effectivenessFamily problems deplete emotional

resources and cause distractionsLack of Family Training – has not

learned good work ethic, etc.

Jobs and Family LifeJobs Affect Family Life:Job Loss – loss of family income; stress and

anxietyRelocation – all family members may have

to moveWork challenges – deplete emotional energy

for homeDifficult Work Schedules – on call; conflicting

work shifts; etc.Work Stress – tight deadlines, sales goals

Jobs and Family LifeNeed to balance Work and Family

Life

Chapter SummarySection 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 debate

in 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.

MANAGING BUSY LIVES

Chapter 12.2

Managing Busy Lives

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

Employer SupportWhat is going to be the priority in

your life? Work or Family?You and your employer may have

different prioritiesMost employers want their

employees to be happy with their work and family life.

Employer SupportWork Schedules 8-5 Work schedules may create

conflicts with family business (appointments, etc.)

Part-time work makes scheduling easier, but few benefits

Employer SupportOther 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

Employer SupportWorkplace Policies: Leave of absence – employer

provides time off for specific reasons Limiting transfers Workplace assistance for

family problems Can you think of any

other policy solutions?

Management at HomeA balanced life depends on how

the work is shared at home.Family members benefit when

they each do their assigned jobs cheerfully.

Management at HomeGuidelines for Managing at Home

(p233) List work to be done Evaluate standards Assign tasks to family members Set up a schedule Evaluate progress

Management at HomeTools 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

Management at HomeChild Care Stay-at-home parent In-Home Care Family child-care homes Child-care centers

Management at HomeOther 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

Help from OthersFamily Support Systems Family, Friends, Neighbors

Just plain “help out” Exchange time and services

Community Services Commercial services Agency / government services

Chapter SummarySection 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.