Focus: Health Care

Healthy work-life balance is a must

Finding a healthy work-life balance continues to be a challenge for many U.S. workers. In fact, in July 2010, the U.S. Department of Labor announced new initiatives designed to increase workplace flexibility in order to help employees balance responsibilities at work and home. In today's uncertain economic climate, employees may feel compelled to work longer hours in order to "prove' their Anne Williams worth, thus taking time Guest column away from their families and lives outside of the office. Consequently, employees may feel overworked and stressed, which can lead to reduced proEAPs provide confidential counseling services and referrals to professionals who can help employees better manage issues in their daily lives, including work and personal issues, financial concerns and substance abuse. Many EAPs are accessible online and have extended their services to include Wellness and training programs, and referral services to help employees fmd quality dependent or elderly care providers. When it comes to managing an effective work-life balance program, employers should clearly document all policies to help avoid any potential confusion. Evaluations should be conducted on a regular basis to determine if any adjustments need to be made. Communicating all policies and changes is essential to long-term success.

As the pressures of everyday life continue, companies that promote a healthy work-life balance are at a competitive advantage
durtivity, illness and absenteeism. Once considered a trend, work-life balance programs have now become a highly sought-after benefit by many employees. Research conducted by the Corporate Executive Board revealed that work-life balance ranks as one of the most important workplace attributes, second only to compensation. Companies also are becoming more creative, offering benefits such as onsite gyms, "Bring Your Pet to Work Day" and office nap rooms in order to maintain a competitive advantage. According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) "Workplace Flexibility in the 21st Century" survey, twothirds of human resources (HR) professionals reported the quality of employees' personal/family life is positively affected as a result of implementing flexible work arrangements. While flextime and telecommuting are among the most common work-life balance programs, other initiatives that have been successful include Wellness programs, additional paid time off, continued training and development, and open-door policies. In addition, supervisors can take a more aaive role in day-to-day activities, helping employees better manage their workloads by identifying immediate priorities, establishing work-flow guidelines, and other similar support. This allows employees to focus on and accomplish the most immediate tasks, with the goal of helping employees feel less stressed when they leave at the end of the day. Training programs are available to help supervisors and employees learn how to improve time management skills and streamline workloads. In addition, there are other programs companies may be overlooking that can help encourage work-life balance. One example is an Employee Assistance Program, or EAP. EAPs are typically available through the employer's health care provider at no additional cost to the employee. In addition to helping employees, worklife balance programs can also benefit employers as well. For example;
Enhances recruiting

Small and medium-sized companies that promote work-life balance are very likely to have a stronger recruiting edge, especially among young professionals entering the workforce. These workers are typically 27 years old or younger and tend to rank worklife balance high on their list of priorities when looking for a job.
Improves employee retention

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The SHRM survey also revealed that 89 percent of HR professionals reported employee retention to have been positively affected by the implementation of flexible work arrangements. Therefore, work-life balance programs are important to companies that are interested in maintaining their top employees.
Increases productivity

Research conducted by the Corporate Executive Board found companies that effectively manage work-life balance programs could improve employee discretionary effort levels by 21 percent. Organizations that are looking for ways to enhance efficiency in the workplace are finding that flexibility yields big results as a healthy work-life balance keeps employees from burning out. As the pressures of everyday life continue, companies that promote a healthy work-life balance are at a competitive advantage. In addition, employees who are encouraged to take care of themselves are usually happier, more productive and less likely to want to leave a company where they feel their efforts are being supported.
Anne Williams is a team manager with Administaff, the nation's leading professional employer organijation, serving as a full-service human resources department that provides small and mediumsized businesses viiith administrative relief, big-company benefits, reduced liabilities and a systematic way to improve productivity.

it is usually treatable. The physicians on our medical staff have the advanced tools and technology to help fight this disease effectively.

For a physician referral or for more information on cancer care services, call 1.800.4BAYLOR BaylorHeaith.com/AliSaintsCancer. or visit us online at

All Saints Medical Center at Fort Worth

1400 Eighth Avenue Fort Worth, Texas 76104

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Medical Center at Southwest Fort Worth
Baylor All Saints Medical Center

7100 Oakmont Blvd. Fort Worth, Texas 76132

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