Equally Shared Parenting - Half the Work ... All the Fun



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Here's where we keep you updated on news about parenting as it relates to division of responsibilities, career versus home decisions, work/life balance, and legislative and grass-roots movements toward equality or better choices for families. We'll also throw in our opinions of life as equal parents in a nonequal world, regardless of what's in the news.

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Equality Blog

Monday, August 25, 2008

Committee Work

Whenever I'm asked to be on another committee at work, part of me groans. More time spent sitting in meetings and not actually doing my work. I've had my fair share of committees that function productively and those that are pure time sinks.

But when I was asked to be on my company's newly formed Work/Life Balance Committee this month, I jumped for joy. I love when two big parts of my life collide like this - my job and my ESP passion.

Then I read this article that mentions another company with such a committee, and I wonder if it is a trend. What a nice trend, if so.

2 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Why do you need a committee for this? My company is great about it and we don't have any official policies concerning it .If people really believe in having work/live balance, you just do it.

For example, when my son started kindergarten last year, I wanted to adjust my hours so I could pick him up twice a week. I talked to my boss and we worked it out. We didn't have to go to HR or anyone to get approval. The higher ups just have the attitude that we can work these things out.

12:50 PM  
Blogger Amy said...

Dennis,
Well, I'm about to find out! I did exactly what you did - worked out a great solution with my boss. Easy! But I'd love to be part of the top-down approach as well, because I figure that coming at the issue from both angles can only help.

In my company's case, happily, we are taking a look at how best to allocate money to help employees and managers incorporate flexible schedules where this hasn't so far been possible.

And then there are those Working Mother Magazine top work/life balance companies that are known for lip-service-only policies. Kind of the opposite of what you and I have experienced - great on paper, fake in reality. I hope Work/Life Balance Committees don't become part of that type of lip service!

3:17 PM  

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