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Work-Life Balance and Economic Status High-Priorities for Women
Survey Shows Work-Life Balance a Higher Priority for Younger Women
Contact:
Christine Hall
chall@capstrat.com
919-882-1998
01 April 2009 – Raleigh, NC – Nearly 50 years after John F. Kennedy created the first President's Commission on the Status of Women, equal rights and other women's issues are still a top concern for many Americans. Last month, President Obama formed a Council on Women and Girls, whose purpose is "to ensure that American women and girls are treated fairly in all matters of public policy." Its goals include the improvement of the economic status of women; the development of policies that establish work-life balance; the prevention of violence against women; and improving the health of women and their families.
According to a recent survey commissioned by Workplace Options, the majority of women (35 percent) felt that, of the four issues, improving the economic status of women was most important. The second most important issue for women was helping women achieve work-life balance (at 26 percent). Work-life balance was a higher priority for women aged 18 - 29 than it was for those 30 and older, while women?s economic status was most important for those aged 46 - 65.
The survey also found that women were less positive than men on how they perceive their company's efforts to help them balance work and personal responsibilities. Women reported being less satisfied with their jobs than men and were less likely to feel their supervisors were concerned about the welfare of their employees. To review full survey results, visit www.workplaceoptions.com/polls.asp.
"The formation of the White House Council on Women and Girls brings to light important issues facing women today, especially the challenges faced at the intersection of work and life," said Dean Debnam, chief executive officer for Workplace Options, a global provider of work-life benefits. "Work-life balance is critical for healthy and happy employees and a productive workplace. And it's not just a women's issue - it's a family issue. As more families are placed in financial jeopardy as a result of the economy, many stay-at-home parents are faced with re-entering the workforce to help make ends meet. Consequently, a shift in caregiving and other personal responsibilities can cause a great deal of stress; so it's important for employers to support workers whose families may be dealing with a transition."
To help employees with the competing demands of work and personal responsibilities, many companies offer resources and solutions such as child and elder care, back-up care, financial and debt management and convenience services as part of their benefit packages. For working mothers, consultation and support services are often available for new mothers and for those returning to the workplace. To learn more about these work-life services, visit www.workplaceoptions.com.
The national survey, conducted by the North Carolina firm of Public Policy Polling on March 13-15 2009, polled 657 working adults (342 women, 315 men). The survey has a margin of error of ± 3.8 percent.
About Workplace Options
Workplace Options helps employees balance their work, family and personal life in order to make their lives healthier, easier and more productive. The company's world-class employee support and work-life services provide information, resources, referrals and consultation on a variety of issues ranging from dependent care, legal and financial issues to stress management and wellness.
Drawing from an international network of credentialed providers and professionals, Workplace Options is the world's largest integrated employee support services and work-life provider. Service centers in Raleigh. N.C., London, Toronto and Dublin support more than 32 million employees in 20,000 organizations, across 170 countries. To learn more, visit www.workplaceoptions.com.
© 2012 Workplace Options, Inc. All rights reserved.
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