Gender-neutral Work-Life Balance
March 6th 2007 01:21
The changing concept of Flexitime, Work-fom-Home, and Work-Life Balance is radically creating a massive paradigm shift in the corporate setting. Before, these programs are geared towards women or mothers who have to attend several household chores for the family.
Recently, several multinational companies are encouraging men to consider work-from-home jobs on a part time basis and maximize their paternity leaves if possible. Behind these interventions is the changing roles of men in the society.
Machismo is out! Men are more attuned to their emotions and it is alright to cry in front of national television - it actually sells! Some men take supporting roles in the family, taking children to school, doing household chores, attend livelihood programs, and decorate houses. This is what I like to term as the boom of HOUSEBANDS - a caring version of husbands depicting the new concept of "man in the house".
Girl Power has a lot to do with these changing roles of men. Women executives like former HP CEO Carly Fiorina are taking lead roles in the some of the global companie. And they want more!
Personally, I like the interplay and the sociological changes happening in this period. Creates more tension and of course, competition! Moreover, it reflects the softer side of man and toughness of woman! Flexitime and Work-Life balance are good programs to kickoff these changes.
What's Next?
Breaking gender barriers is just 1 aspect of creating work-life-balance. We have to give these programs more muscle and sweeten the pot a little bit to entice corporate guys to appreciate its worth. Ironically, most people fail to reallze they need work-life balance!
Most people who opted to work from home or paternity/maternity leaves suffer a blow in their careers due to prolonged absence and out-of-sight, out-of-mind psychology. Continuity is key to make these efforts effective and practical.
Recently, several multinational companies are encouraging men to consider work-from-home jobs on a part time basis and maximize their paternity leaves if possible. Behind these interventions is the changing roles of men in the society.
Machismo is out! Men are more attuned to their emotions and it is alright to cry in front of national television - it actually sells! Some men take supporting roles in the family, taking children to school, doing household chores, attend livelihood programs, and decorate houses. This is what I like to term as the boom of HOUSEBANDS - a caring version of husbands depicting the new concept of "man in the house".
Girl Power has a lot to do with these changing roles of men. Women executives like former HP CEO Carly Fiorina are taking lead roles in the some of the global companie. And they want more!
Personally, I like the interplay and the sociological changes happening in this period. Creates more tension and of course, competition! Moreover, it reflects the softer side of man and toughness of woman! Flexitime and Work-Life balance are good programs to kickoff these changes.
What's Next?
Breaking gender barriers is just 1 aspect of creating work-life-balance. We have to give these programs more muscle and sweeten the pot a little bit to entice corporate guys to appreciate its worth. Ironically, most people fail to reallze they need work-life balance!
Most people who opted to work from home or paternity/maternity leaves suffer a blow in their careers due to prolonged absence and out-of-sight, out-of-mind psychology. Continuity is key to make these efforts effective and practical.
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