While every generation of workers has a different set of work expectations, the need for work/life balance has become one of the leading goals of every generation in the workforce today.  Baby Boomers are reducing work hours and many ‘Thirty-Something’s’ are starting  businesses to have more control over their lives and schedules. 

A recent study done by the Families and Work Institute shows that young workers just starting in the workforce are choosing to turn down promotional opportunities to achieve greater work/life balance. 

Why do you suppose these apple-cheeked, enthusiastic job entrants might take this approach?  In a study done with young employees by Families and Workplace, work/life balance was among the top for both sexes. 

Most of these young adults were raised in families where both parents worked and they felt the sacrifice and demands placed on their parents, firsthand. 

Not surprisingly, of all the generations in the workforce today, these young adults are the most likely to consider job flexibility and schedules when they look for a job, and is a key to employee retention for companies that employ these young workers.

The point of all of this background information is to let you know that you are not alone in your desire to find balance.  All generations in jobs are looking for balance, less stress, and more time with family and friends.  Like you, these people are willing to give it their all when they are at work and they expect to work hard, but in exchange, they want a life. 

            In essence, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

If you think that work and family life balance is a small problem, you may be interested to know that, besides the few companies that have recognized the issue and taken the lead in establishing life balance programs, there are many organizations, foundations, universities and groups doing research on this topic. 

Organizations as diverse as religious groups, government agencies, human resource companies and behavioral scientists now study these problems. 

There are economic advantages to companies that recognize the need for life balance and create a working environment to help their employees live their lives more fully. 

Companies spend money training and keeping employees. Happy employees will stay longer, live longer and contribute to the company longer. We are just scratching the surface in understanding the true human toll that an unbalanced life takes.  Many have studied the evolving social issues and their roots in overwork and lost community connections