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AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin
Momentum for telework and work life balance: balancing act of 2009
Work life balance and telework are gaining momentum as hot topics. Rep. Lynn Woolsey [D-CA6] introduced H.R. 3047: Balancing Act of 2009 to Congress. The purpose of the bill is to “improve the lives of working families by providing family and medical need assistance, child care assistance, in-school and afterschool assistance, family care assistance, and encouraging the establishment of family-friendly workplaces.”
The findings listed in the bill provide a snapshot into the new norm for families in America. In the segment of married families with children, in 2/3 of the families, both parents work full-time. The number of mothers with children under the age of 18 that work full-time is 71%. Further, the bill reports that 70% of employed parents say that they don’t have enough time with their children. Parents reported that the primary obstacle preventing them from spending more physical activity time with their children is their work schedules.
A boost in awareness for the new norm supports change toward telework. The bill encompasses several areas that all contribute to work life balance. Telework is another potential future norm by introducing the “United States Business Telework Act”.
The purpose of the United States Business Telework Act is to raise awareness about telework among employers. A two year pilot program is the method to role model a framework employers could potentially adopt to enhance work life balance for employees. The added flexibility for employees is a step in the direction of balancing work with everyday life.
Telework benefits the employee and the organization. Working more efficiently results in better use of time during the day and helps the environment because of less people commuting. The trends in this field will continue to grow as the demand for more flexible work schedules.
The Balancing Act of 2009 has been referred to committee. Congress will next meet on September 8, 2009. Emerging trends in the area of work life balance will continue to grow as more organizations begin to build work life balance into their strategic plans to maximize their people capital.
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