Do Corporations Really Support Work-Life Balance?

By David B. Bohl | April 9, 2007 | No Responses Yet

Do Corporations Really Support Work-Life Balance? A study conducted of the accounting profession by a couple people from a couple different universities showed that they don’t. The employees that were using the company’s work-life policies weren’t looked upon in the same way as those who weren’t using the work-life policies of their employer. It also revealed that men who chose these options were judged more harshly than the women who did.

The Work-Life discussion rages hot-and-heavy. From National associations to corporate HR departments to non-profit organizations to think tanks to university work-life centers and foundations - everyone is getting involved in advancing the work-life debate.

But are all interested in achieving the true goal of work-life balance? That is,are all parties dedicated to, as the Third Path Institute rightly defines it, “assisting individuals, families, and organizations in finding new ways to redesign work to create more time for family, community and other life passions?”According to a new study of the accounting profession by Phillip Reckers of Arizona State University, Eric N. Johnson of Indiana University, and D. Jordan Lowe of Arizona State University, employees who make use of company’s work-life policies such as working part time, flexing their hours, and telecommuting weren’t looked upon in the same way as those who chose not to pursue these options. Furthermore, men who elected these options were judged more harshly than women who did the same.

In short, employees who opt for these work-life alternatives are viewed as workers who do less than their colleagues.

There is no doubt that corporations talk a good game when it comes to offering employees an environment that fosters a balance between their work lives and their private lives, but are they carrying through on their promises? The policies may be in place, but are companies creating an attitude and culture that supports those that make the decision to spend quality time with their families without limiting career advancement?

What has your experience been?