Let's take a look at this balanced group to see what we might learn from them. First, this balanced group places a high value on family time, and figures out how to do what's most important in their job in a reasonable number of hours. They don't try to get everything done, but they figure out what matters most and they do that very well. Research shows that though balanced employees work fewer hours per week, they are evaluated as highly as their co-workers who try to get everything done and work excessive hours. More companies are offering family-friendly policies, but many employees are afraid to use them.
Balanced employees make use of programs such as flexible work hours, telecommuting and job sharing.
While this kind of flexibility makes it much easier for the employee to be available at home when needed, it is also linked to positive business benefits. Research shows that employees who are given greater flexibility report more job satisfaction, increased job productivity, higher morale, more motivation and greater loyalty to their company. Flexibility appears to be a win-win opportunity for employees and employers. It's difficult to balance family and work, while being successful at both. But if we work smarter and take advantage of flexibility options perhaps we can thrive more, lose our balance less and have more fun.