1.What do you mean by “The Ethics of work-life balance”?
The Ethics of work life balance:
Work-life balance is a self-defined, selfdetermined state of well being that a person can reach, or
can set as a goal, that allows them to manage effectively multiple responsibilities at work, at
home, and in their community; it supports physical, emotional, family, and community health,
and does so without grief, stress or negative impact.”(HRSDC 2005)
Given the difficult economic climate and the number of jobs being lost daily, most of us are
feeling the pressure to work harder than ever. But in spite of the increasing intensity of our
economic crisis, it is not only unfortunate to give in to such pressure. It's unethical. It's not too
late to make a change for the better, though. Ethics isn't just about how you treat others. It's also
about how you treat yourself—at work and beyond.
2.write down some key points under “The ethics of work-life balance”?
Key points under “The ethics of Work-Life Balance”:
Achieving a healthy work-life balance requires managing our professional and personal life in
sustainable ways that keep our energy flowing, our minds and bodies healthy and our whole
selves happy and content.
It means giving due attention to all of the things that enrich and fulfill us including work and
career, health and fitness, family and relationships, spirituality, community service, hobbies and
passions,intellectual,stimulation,rest and recreation.
To get there:
1. Track Your Time
Analyzing your present situation is the beginning step in achieving a balanced life. Keep a time log of
everything you do for one week, including work-related and personal activities. This data will serve as an
eye-opener, helping you understand how you are using -- and where you are losing -- your time.
2. Determine Your Priorities
Spend some time seriously reflecting on what is most important to you, and make a list of your top
priorities at work and at home. Then analyze your time audit by asking yourself these key questions:
What do I need to Start doing? Stop doing? Continue doing? Do more of? Do less of? Do differently?
3. Set Specific Goals
Take your list of priorities and turn them into concrete and measurable goals. Block time into your
schedule for activities just like you would for an important meeting or a doctor's appointment.
4. Schedule Scrupulously
Successful people plan their work and then work their plan. You have one life, so have one date planner.
Whether paper or electronic, this is the vehicle by which you turn your priorities and goals into reality.
Set aside 10 to 20 minutes at the beginning of each day (or the night before) to plan your tasks and
activities for the day and evening ahead.
5. Establish Boundaries
Set fair and realistic limits on what you will and will not do both at work and at home.
Clearly communicate these boundaries to your supervisor, coworkers, partner and family. For instance,
you might commit to not working late on certain days unless there is a crisis. Additionally, set aside a
time at home during which you will not check or respond to work-related emails or voice mails.

6. Take Care of Your Health
Your health should always be your No. 1 priority. If you are not in good shape physically, mentally, and
emotionally, both your work life and your personal life will suffer. Take care of yourself by eating
healthy meals (especially breakfast), exercise at least three times per week and sleep a minimum of seven
hours per night. While you may not think you have time to add exercise and extra sleep to your jam-
packed schedule, these practices relieve stress, raise your energy level, increase your stamina, improve
your mental clarity, boost your immune system, and make you a happier, more engaged, and more
productive person. Additionally, refrain from the excessive use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs to relieve
stress.
7. Nurture Your Family/Relationships
Relationships with family, friends, and loved ones are, by far, the greatest source of inner satisfaction. If
your job or career is damaging your personal relationships, both areas will ultimately suffer. Sure there
will be days when you will need to work overtime. The issue becomes problematic when these days
become the rule, not the exception. By making your personal relationships a priority, your productivity
and effectiveness on the job will actually increase.
8. Make Time for You
As much as work, health, and relationships take priority in your life, it is also important to schedule time
for your own renewal. Indulge in some small pleasure daily. Take at least 30 minutes of uninterrupted
"you time." It will do wonders for your well-being, and your relationships and your career will benefit
too. Connect with your spiritual source. Belief in God, or a higher power, can be a deep well from which
to draw inspiration, guidance, and strength. Setting aside a weekly day of rest can be helpful, as well.
9. Leave Work at Work
Develop a mental on-off switch between work and home. It helps to establish a transitional activity
between the two realms. This might consist of listening to music or recorded books during your evening
commute, exercising at the fitness center, running errands, or keeping personal appointments. Scheduling
such activities immediately following your normal work hours also prevents you from spending that extra
twenty minutes at the office which then turns into several hours.
10. Exercise Your Options
Many forward-thinking companies today are creating policies and programs that facilitate work-life
balance. Find out what options your business offers in terms of flex hours, telecommuting, a compressed
work week, job-sharing, or part-time employment. You may find an arrangement that allows you to work
more productively, while at the same time cutting stress and freeing-up valuable personal/family time. If
your company does not yet have a flexible scheduling program, consider proposing one.
11. Work Smarter Not Harder
Using time more efficiently is an important skill that everyone from the receptionist to the CEO can learn.
Adopting the right combination of time-management practices can cut stress and save you up to an hour a
day. This can include the use of technology to become more organized, grouping emails and voice
messages, avoiding procrastination and learning to say "no."
12. Know When to Ask for Help
If you are overwhelmed at work, and it is causing undue stress don't suffer in silence. Shed the
Superwoman/Superman image and explain your situation to your boss or supervisor. Untenable work
situations can usually be alleviated, but it will take some assertiveness on your part. Similarly, if a
balanced life continues to elude you, or you are experiencing chronic stress, talk with a professional – a
counselor, mental health worker, or clergyperson. Take advantage of the services offered by your
employee assistance program.

3.Why Work-life balance is becoming a significant part of the organization
nowadays? Explain with an example.
Benefits for you
Employees in companies already implementing work-life balance practices enjoy significant
benefits such as:
 Being able to effectively manage multiple responsibilities at home, work and in the
community without guilt or regret.
 Being able to work in flexible ways so that earning an income and managing family/other
commitments become easier.
 Being part of a supportive workplace that values and trusts staff.
Some things employees may want:
 A good quality of life
 An enjoyable work life with career progression
 Training and development
 Good health
 Affordable childcare or eldercare
 Further education
 More money
 Time to travel
 Time with friends and family
 Time to do sports and hobbies
 Time to do voluntary work
Benefits for your business
Good work-life balance policies and practices are good for business. Some of the benefits for
you and your staff are:
 Getting and keeping the right staff
 Getting the best from staff
 Being an ‘employer of choice’ and future proofing
 Improving productivity

Getting and keeping the right staff
Finding and keeping good staff can be difficult especially in a tight labour market.
Employers who can offer work-life balance and flexible work options are likely to have the
competitive edge, gain access to a wider recruitment pool, and are more likely to hold onto
existing staff. As a result of the flexible working arrangements and other work-life balance
initiatives, Harrison Grierson have increased retention of graduates and women returning from
parental leave.
“We estimate that the savings over the past three years through retaining employees who have
returned to work after a period of parental leave are worth more than $300,000," says Raewyn
van Lingen, Franklin Kindergarten Association, winners of the EEO Trust Large Organisation
Work-Life Award 2007.
Getting the best from staff
Poor work-life balance can lead to stress and absenteeism, and low output. Helping employees
achieve work-life balance is integral to their general health and wellbeing, increasing their work
satisfaction and motivation. They are likely to be more committed, more flexible and more
responsive to the business and customers’ needs.
"It's a wellness thing but it's also a monetary thing. You've got to have employees who are
engaged, who are feeling good and who want to come to work. The alternative is to have highly
stressed, underproductive people.” Lisa Gunnery Chief Operating Officer of Insurance
Operations, Southern Cross, winners of the EEO Trust Manaki Tangata Innovation Award 2007.
Being an ‘employer of choice’ and future proofing
Being an ‘employer of choice’ can give you the competitive edge for attracting talent.
Employees who are positive about their workplace help to foster a positive attitude in the wider
community. Increasingly businesses are adopting practices that make a positive difference for the
environment and society. Staff are a vital business resource, so it makes sound business sense to
develop and protect this resource.
“IAG New Zealand sent out an army of volunteers on two projects during Volunteer Awareness
Week. They planted natives at Kaitoke Regional Park and repaired, painted, cleaned out,
polished at Riding for the Disabled in Kenepuru.” Volunteer Wellington News from the Edge
reporting on their 2007 Corporate Challenge.
Improving productivity
Getting and keeping the right staff and getting the best from them will help to increase
productivity. Costs associated with recruitment, training and absenteeism will reduce and
employees will be more engaged motivated and committed.