Originally posted by Matt Charney, one of #TChat’s moderators, on Monster Thinking Blog
It’s interesting that the genesis of work-life balance really started, with, well, Genesis: somewhere, between creating the heaven, the earth and all things in between, even God needed a day off to rest.
We’ll leave interpretations up to the theologians, but there’s a pretty firm, historical precedent that’s been followed for millennia: everyone deserves a break now and then.
In our increasingly interconnected age, however, omniscience and omnipresence aren’t Biblical constructs, but the burden of having a Blackberry.
The real price of real business in real time is that real time is rarely one’s own. The movie 9-5 (“It’s a way to make a livin“) seems a historical anachronism for more than its polyester pant-suits. In a blink of an eye, the 8 hour day that the title (and oh so catchy theme song) suggest seem to have all but disappeared.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Increasingly, employers are realizing that the key to attracting and retaining top talent, and getting the most out of employees, requires creating a work-life balance that’s actually balanced. And workers are starting to realize meaningful work, and by extension, a meaningful career, aren’t mutually exclusive from having a life outside the office.
Tonight’s #TChat will explore work-life balance and it’s far ranging implications on the world of work (and life). Join the conversation at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT as we look at ways that work and life can coexist, and even thrive, in today’s business environment.
#TChat Questions and Recommended Reading (5.10.11)
Here are tonight’s #TChat questions as well as some recommended reading designed to inform, and inspire, tonight’s conversation about work-life balance:
1. Who’s ultimately responsible for managing work-life balance: the employer or the employee?
Read: The Case for Work/Life Programs by Freek Vernermeulen.
2. What are the benefits/drawbacks of being salaried/exempt vs. hourly/non-exempt? Which would you prefer?
Read: Family Friendly Employee Benefits: Create A Win-Win For Hourly Workers by Donna Fenn.
3. How does company culture effect work-life balance?
Read: 5 Great Ways To Create A Winning Company Culture by Carmine Gallo.
4. What role does technology and social media play in the work-life mix? Is connectivity a blessing or a curse?
Read: Technology at Work: The Creation of the Anywhere Worker by Connie Blaszczyk.
5. What are some things employers and managers can do to improve work-life balance?
Read: 5 Keys to Staying Civil When Work Calls On Your Off Time by Judy Martin.
6. How important is work life balance to top talent when assessing new opportunities?
Read: It’s All About Engagement by Jayson Saba.
7. What are some of the most effective or creative “perks” your company offers for work-life balance? Which do you wish they’d offer?
Read: Do You Have Work Life Balance? by Thad Peterson.
NOTE: We’ll be extending this conversation at Care.com’s Care@Work event series, Focus Forward at the Times Center in New York City on June 1st and we want you to join us. Tonight after #TChat, we’ll be giving away one ticket to this invitation and innovation only event focused on shaping the future of work. We will randomly select someone from tonight’s #TChat to attend.
Our Monster social media team supports the effort behind #TChat and its mission of sharing “ideas to help your business and your career accelerate – the right people, the right ideas, at the right time.”
We’ll be joining the conversation live every Tuesday night as co-hosts with Kevin Grossman and Meghan M. Biro from 8-9 PM E.T. via @monster_works and @MonsterWW. Hope to see you tonight at 8 PM ET for #TChat!
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