Many workers experience stress and negative spillover from work. Workers today have significantly more autonomy and opportunities for learning than they did in 1977, and are more likely to find meaning in their work. 61 percent say their chances are fair or poor. Family-friendly benefits haven't improved significantly in the last five years. The only significant increase in access to these benefits occurred in the area of elder care.
Many workers receive some support and flexibility for their personal or family needs.
Only half are able to take a few days off to care for sick children without losing pay or vacation time, and 45 percent have some say over their scheduled workday hours About 19 percent of employees spend at least part of their regular workweek working at home. Male and female roles are beginning to converge, and children are getting a little more time with their employed parents. But what workers need, what would really make it all come together for them and their employers, is improvements in the quality of jobs and more support in the workplace. WFD was a contributor to the project.