Career
Builder 2004 Report Working fathers keen
for
more work / life balance
The
CareerBuilder.com "Men and Women at Work 2004" survey of working
fathers was conducted in April, 2004, says telecommuting high on list of
desired options for working fathers. Among the results:
42% are willing to
take a pay cut to obtain a job that affords them an improved balance of work
and home
67% spend in excess
of 40 hours a week at work
25% work more than
50 hours each week.
29% are
dissatisfied with their work/life balance and 25% are dissatisfied with
their jobs overall
87% earn more than
their spouse or partner, but 40% say they would relinquish the breadwinner
role and stay at home with the kids if their spouse or partner earned enough
for them to live comfortably.
25% spend less than
two hours with their children after work
20% spend less time
with their children than their parents did with them."
50% say they are
preoccupied with work while at home
35% say they often
or always have to work weekends.
To better manage
personal and professional commitments, working dads are taking advantage of
different work style adjustments such as telecommuting and flexible work
schedules.
The majority of
fathers stated that their employers are tolerant of compressed workdays due
to family obligations.
Tips to help working dads gain a better work/life balance:
1.
Earn the Right -- before you can
approach your supervisor about implementing a more flexible work schedule,
you have to earn the right. Work hard and establish yourself as a top player
for the company and then propose an altered work schedule at the peak of
your performance. Employers will be more open to the discussion when they
recognize the value you consistently bring to the company.
2.
Save Work for Bedtime -- if you
need to bring the office home with you, avoid working on projects or
checking emails while the kids are awake. When you are home, it's all about
them.
3.
Get involved -- Introduce
yourself to your child's teacher and ask for email updates on his/her
progress. Volunteer your time where you can spend it with your kids --
whether it's joining Scouts or coaching a team or participating at a school
function.
