A couple of news items came to my attention related to some very interesting work+life “balance” related trends underway in England. One relates to the country’s upcoming election and another relates to an interesting survey.
First, David Cameron, is the 39-year old Conversative leader whom I blogged about back in May. Well, according to political blogger, Andrew Sullivan, it looks like he may actually have a very good shot at replacing Tony Blair as Prime Minister.
“Labour has the backing of only 29% of voters, equal to its lowest-ever level of support in a Guardian/ICM poll – recorded in May 1987, a month before Margaret Thatcher won a third term.”
Why is this newsworthy as it related to work+life “balance?” Well, work+life “balance” is one of the primary objectives in his platform, and I happen to agree with the approach he takes. Can you imagine a candidate for President in the U.S. running with one of his primary campaign objectives being work+life “balance?” It is truly remarkable, and I look forward to seeing the impact on the debate within England on the subject should he win. I will keep you posted….
Finally, Jobsite, a leading online recruiter in England released the results of a survery it conducted that found,
“76% of UK workers believe it is their own responsibility to monitor their working life, rather than their employers or the Government. Critically, the desire to become a ‘contented worker’ means that 45% of employees evaluate how their happiness in the workplace would be affected before accepting any potential promotion or new job…The research shows only one in three respondents feel content with the current balance between their home and work commitments and are starting to take matters into their own hands. 88% of employees claim they would speak up if their existing job started having a negative impact on their personal life.”
Well, this survey proves that in England they are recognizing what I have been saying for a very long time — finding the work+life “fit” that meets you unique needs as well as the needs of your job requires an employee-initiated partnership with their employer. Maybe I should try to go back and sell the international rights for my book?
Cali,
Wonderful post.
I agree wholeheartedly with you that it is up to each individual to ensure that their work is revolving around (or fitting with) their life and not the other way around. Unfortunately, most employees in America haven’t gotten to the point where they are willing to step outside the box and take control of their life.
The few that have taken the reins are finding creative ways to ensure they’re living life by partnering with lifestyle management providers (aka errand / concierge providers and personal assistants). They’ve learned that the art of delegation and outsourcing aren’t just for the workplace.
They are effectively utilizing lifestyle management providers to handle both the mundane, and the challenging, of their life to ensure that all of their needs are met, personally and professionally.
These changes are excellent and make a huge difference in their quality of life. However, the common thread amongst those partnering with lifestyle management providers is that they understand both the tangible and intangible value of their time. Hence, they’re no longer willing to simply watch life pass them by.
So, in a nutshell, until employees are willing to step up to the plate and take ownership of their lives, effective work-life balance (fit) will continue to be unattainable.