Press Room

Work-Family Balance
by Elaine Lowe

On far too many days, the pace of life seems to run faster than our feet. This is especially true when you work and have a family, whether young or aging. This web watch column draws your attention to some excellent websites that focus specifically on the issue of work-family balance. here are some helpful websites to bookmark for your journey to better balance.

1. Work Family Tips [www.workfamilytips.com]
Parents share quick helpful tips they have used to balance work and family. Visitors can find and/or leave tips on a variety of topics, including child care, chores, activities, seniors, special needs, school and food. Share what you have learned through experience and help other families navigate their way.

2. Work-Life Balance in Canadian Workplaces [http://labour.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/worklife]
This website was created to help employers, unions, managers and human resource practitioners and professionals find the most pertinent and recent information on work-life balance. Developed by the Labour Program of Human Resources Development Canada, the site’s goal is to increase awareness and understanding of workplace and community-based strategies and solutions that help Canadians balance more effectively. their responsibilities on the job, at home and in the community

3. Balancing Work and Life [www.bccf.bc.ca/learn/wl.html]
The BC Council for Families website offers resources and information for families and people who work with families. The work-life balance section emphasizes how individuals in families can reevaluate their priorities and standards in order to achieve work-life balance. A workbook is available ($3) that helps you to evaluate your current work and family situation and explore a more workable balance between the two. Find out about the Collaboration on Work-Life, a project that brings together representatives from business, government, community and labour who are working together to create and promote supportive, healthy work-life environments for their employees.

4. Centre for Families, Work and Well-Being [www.worklifecanada.ca]
This site features an interdisciplinary research and education centre, which focus on strategic research, policy analysis and best practices development that respond to the changing nature of work and family life. The Centre recognizes the importance of individual and family well-being as a foundation for economic growth and strong communities.

In your hectic days and nights, struggling in traffic or rushing to keep that next appointment, try to keep in mind what your children are learning by watching you. Does it match what you want them to learn? If not, what changes can you make?