Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Work-Life Balance and the President-Elect

One of the less cited but important change objectives identified by the transition team of President-Elect Barack Obama is to pursue policies that attend to the issue of work-family balance. This is a personal interest of Michelle Obama, the soon to be" First Lady", who mentioned it on the widely watched interview of the couple aired on 60 Minutes a few weeks ago.

Work-family balance is not a concept that has been on the radar screen of the popular press in the U.S. but it is likely one that will gain increasing attention. The concept is known by other names, including work-life balance, life balance, lifestyle balance, etc and is important because it reflects the growing awareness that life as it is often lived in developed countries these days is too hectic, too busy, too stressful, or too crazybusy to be satisfying or healthful.

Some countries, including Canada and several in Europe, have passed legislation designed to create a sustainable balance between work and family life. There is an economic motive behind such legislation, since "spillover"(stress in one area of life, such as work, affecting another, such as family life) leads to less productivity and more turnover. It can also create health problems.

It may be of interest to note that a few social scientists around the world have been working on this problem to better understand what constitutes a "balanced life". I'm interested in your thoughts on this. Please feel free to comment, providing your armchair theory, your experiences, observations or stories.

2 comments:

  1. I very much enjoyed your post and was moved by the poem you chose from the Poet Seers. ... It is a site I often frequent. I have especially been moved by Sri Chinmoy's poetry. Here is a special one to me:
    http://www.poetseers.org/sri_chinmoy/sri_chinmoy_poems/poems_soul

    I too enjoyed the picture of a butterfly on your post today... the butterfly has very special meaning to me now, and will forever hold the symbolism of Chrysalis and the beauty that comes from within... as well as the beauty of friendship and love. Thanks for your post!
    Blessings

    Kringle... "aka Song"

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  2. Thanks for your comment. Rabindranith Tagore was a beautiful poet, and one who used imagery of the wonders of life to the fullest in communicating his messages of love and they mystery of life.

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