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SAFETY / OSHA - 2/29/08

Research reveals male employees value work-life balance just as much as their female colleagues

Men are playing a larger role in out-of-work responsibilities and therefore, feel the pressure of balancing work and family demands. Due to the competing pressures from both work and home, men are becoming more aware of their organizations’ efforts to allow for the fulfillment of work/life balance.

The results of research conducted by the Kenexa Research Institute evaluating male workers’ opinions of work-life balance, revealed that 21 percent of men have unfavorable views of their company’s work-life balance support, while 55 percent have favorable views. For all male workers studied, working in an organization that does not support work-life balance has a significant, unfavorable impact on how these workers rate their pride in their organization, willingness to recommend it as a place to work and their overall job satisfaction. Additionally, those male employees who have unfavorable views of their company’s support for work-life balance state a much higher intention to leave the organization.

Working for a company that does not support work-life balance also negatively impacts male workers’ views of their work and company. Men are less likely to report that their work provides a feeling of personal accomplishment, that people cooperate to get the job done and that they like work itself. These workers also have lower ratings of confidence in the future of the company and job security.

Not surprisingly, men who do not believe their company supports work/life balance also have more unfavorable opinions of their company’s management. They are less likely to feel that their manager treats employees fairly, that management shows concern for the well-being and morale of team members and that senior management demonstrates employees are important to the success of the company.

“We know that men are feeling the pressures from both work and home. Men who do not experience company support for work/life balance are also less satisfied with their job and organization. In order to be successful in competing for and retaining talented employees, organizations must be willing to recognize an employee’s need for balance and should work toward creating policies that equally support both men and women. Some are doing a much better job than others. Those who are, have achieved a marketplace advantage,” said Jack Wiley, executive director, Kenexa Research Institute.

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