September 19, 2009

Changing Workforce Demands Benefits for Working Parents

As the demographics of the workforce changes, the needs of the workforce are also changing. The Society for Human Resource Management Workplace Forecast of 2004-2005 found that an increase in workers with elder care responsibilities and an increase in workers with both childcare and elder care responsibilities were the primary upcoming demographic trends in the workforce.

As I talk to my clients, this is indicative of a prominent dilemma these days - specifically the changing landscape of work-life balance for parents. Especially with the new economic environment, employees want to be visible, engaged and demonstrating value. So, employees worry, "How can I continue to show up to work every day, without worrying about my child care and/or elder care responsibilities?"

As a working mom growing my own business, I know first-hand how hard it can be to balance my work and my life at home. Employers today need to look at policies and benefits that will support the "sandwich generation" and allow them to maintain their skilled workers and their productivity.

Read the full blog here