"Work-life balance is an important business issue: if individuals have personal
needs that are unmet, work is affected. Employers who respond to those needs
have productive, satisfied employees."  Virginia Byrd, M.Ed.

What is Work-Life?
Work-life is a term used to describe the integration of work and personal life responsibilities. It is a concept that has become important to employers as well as employees. Since women began coming to the workplace in greater numbers twenty-five years ago, it has become the norm that what happens in the family affects the workplace. What happens in the workplace affects our personal lives at many levels.

Work-life balance has multiple meanings, depending on the career level and the personal situation of each individual who seeks to attain it. Just as work "success" is unique to everyone, so work-life balance becomes like the holy grail, and to many in the workplace it seems unattainable.

The many facets of work-life policies in the workplace include childcare, elder care, flexible hours, wellness and career development. The culture of an organization and the sensitivity of middle managers determine how responsive employers are to the personal needs of their employees.

As the economy improves and retention of valuable employees becomes critical, employers may implement more work-life benefits. Research shows that work-life benefits are often more important than salary in an employee's decision to remain in a job, or to accept a job offer.

The employee often must take the initiative in making the need for work-life policies known to the employer.

There is growing awareness of work-life nationally. It's everywhere!