Comments on: The Work/Life Balancing Act: How 4 Companies Do It

By: William Bielby

William Bielby — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 15:41:51 +0000

There’s a lot of social science research that shows that when high level employees take advantage of these policies, especially those that involve flexible hours or reduced face time in the office, they suffer a wage penalty and are assumed to be less committed to the company. How do these companies deal with this important issue?

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 13:37:20 +0000

I have to agree. The only thing that has kept me a tthe company I currently work at is flex time, able to telecommute several times a week with me picking what days each week and 5 weeks of vacation time. Those are hard things to give up.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 13:24:08 +0000

I whole heartedly agree with trying to acheive a work/life balance but I work in health care, a 24/7 operation and the expectation for those of us who work in this field as caregivers and operators is to be on call 24/7 and to be the force who is expected to give up all semblance of work/life balance in weather emergencies like the massive snowstorms of last year in the northeast. It is necessary and we do it because it is the right thing. We provide nice accomodations for our team members but it is still takes a toll emotionally on those of us who have families who also need us. I’d love to hear about healthcare companies who have come up with creative ways to address the work/life balance for those of us who keep the wheels turning for patient and resident care services and for whom working from home is never an option.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 19 May 2010 11:59:11 +0000

We GLBT folks can often see these disparities since tradionally our “survival” in ANY workplace enviroment boils down (currently, considering the position of an HR manager’s sensitivity levels) to “don’t ask don’t tell” so that managements aren’t over-reactive when some requests for leave are discretional, and favor traditional family models. Excellent comment and a clear vision Mr. Visconti.
Thank you.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 18 May 2010 14:01:49 +0000

Interesting article -

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 18 May 2010 13:32:39 +0000

Thanks for an excellent article on what should be the norm rather than the exception. Too many times employees are forced to choose between work and life, with no way to select something in the middle that provides balance. The cost of doing business in this manner is going to catch up with companies (and their workers) sooner or later. What’s that old commercial’s tagline? “Pay me now or pay me later!” Let’s hope companies wake up and choose the right answer…

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 18 May 2010 13:02:45 +0000

All of this is well and good but what is the effect on the bottom line? Are the companies that engage in these practices more profitable? Have they seen an increase in profits since adopting these practices?