Anita work life balance eclo

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Work Life Balance

Anita Pickerden

ECLO Conference 2009

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Research Question

Where in a working life does work life balance become an issue?

Specifically, what about older workers as they prepare for retirement?


Definitions

“…. a growing recognition that individuals require a satisfactory balance between the demands of work and those of the rest of life”

“ Work life balance is about the challenges that face individuals when they are trying to hold paid work and home in domestic life in balance. “

ECLO Conference 2009 3

Policy Implications

USA historical perspective

Common Market / EEC / EU Policy

UK Policy


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Policy Focus

Is this just a gender issue? Supporting families? Getting more women into work Getting more work out of workers? Protection against claims for work

place stress “Flexicurity”


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Life Phases

Young People Mid – Career Older Workers Post Retirement


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Young People

Career choice may influence work life balance later in life

Career choice may be gendered Young people expect better work

life balance than their parents


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Mid – career

Does work interfere with life? Or does life interfere with work?

“Middlescence” The loneliness of achievement


Older Workers

A problem to managed or an asset to be valued?

“The Final Five” Leaving a Legacy Easing gently or cold turkey?


Post Retirement

Can you afford to retire when you want to?

Balance between life and ? ? Access to services


Employers’ responses

Legal minimum

Flexible working practices

Work life balance for all


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My Next Steps

West Midlands Fire Service Questionnaire of all staff Detailed questionnaire of few Interviews Report “Call me Doctor!”
