Talk Nation Magazine

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just point out a problem,” she says. “Be prepared to suggest a viable solution. You can also take advantage of the annual employee opinion survey most employers conduct and share your concerns in an anonymous forum.”

e realistic and honest about your work and personal goals. When both you and your employer understand your goals, you can work together to achieve them.

In addition to speaking up, parents can also take other steps Working parents can take toward a more satisfying work-life several steps to improve their balance.. work/life struggles. Kim Callaway from Horizons Workforce Consulting agrees that the first earn more about your step is communication. Parents employee benefits. You may should talk to their managers. be unaware of some, such as Often, managers are unaware if an back-up child care or a telecomemployee is struggling to balance muting policy that can help. work and home demands. Talking to a manager means you can work together to find a solution. “Don’t

ake a vacation. Employees who take less than 25 percent of their earned vacation are more likely to feel burnout, according to a recent study by Horizons Workforce Consulting.

However, the survey indicates the blame does not fall squarely on employers. Both employers and parents need to do better to adapt to the new realities of modern families. “Good communication between employers and working parents will benefit both groups,” Lissy added.

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est is vital to your overall well-being, and a lack of sleep negatively affects satisfaction with life, health, work and financial success. The Horizons Workforce Consulting study also found 60 percent of working adults don’t get enough sleep each night.

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anagers should watch for signs of employee burnout and provide opportunities for working parents to voice their concerns. Regular meetings about work-life issues can help generate ideas for solutions and give employees a better sense of community. “People want to work for employers who understand and support their needs,” Lissy says. “This year’s study shows communication among employees, managers and company leadership needs to improve. When working parents express their needs and employers listen and respond, the whole organization benefits.” (BPT)

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