Work/Life Programs Help Employers Energize Employees

Employers are responding to their employees' needs for work/life balance by providing programs and policies that allow employees to manage their personal and professional lives, according to a survey by Mellon Financial Corporation's Human Resources & Investor Solutions business (2004).

In comparing the survey results to one conducted in 1996, Mellon found that 81% of employers offer employee assistance programs, up from 70% seven years ago, while 54% now provide family sick days, up from 42%. Domestic partner benefits also reflect a growing trend, with 35% of employers now offering the benefit, compared to only 6% in 1996. In addition, the latest survey results showed 88% of employers offer work-related tuition reimbursement, 55% provide general resource and referral services, and 47% provide unpaid family leave beyond the required Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

"Work/life programs help employees manage the broader and more complex challenges and responsibilities they now face on the job and at home," said Mellon principal Allison Levin. "And for employers, they usually provide a cost-effective way to energize and support key performers, especially during periods of economic uncertainty. Our survey found the most commonly cited reasons for offering work/life programs are to enhance recruitment efforts (73%), raise morale (74%), and remain competitive (72%)."

Other findings from the survey include:

• 71% of respondents offer flex-time, up from 32% in 1996.
• 50% of respondents offer telecommuting and work-at-home arrangements, up from 9% seven years ago.
• 44% of respondents offer compressed work weeks, up from 16% in 1996.
• 86% use part-time employees (fewer than 1,000 hours per year), up from 50% seven years ago.