However, for the purpose of this paper, the focus will be on the work/life balance in the U.S.
Life is a balancing act, and in American society, it's safe to say that almost everyone is seeking work/life balance. But what exactly is work/life balance? Many have heard the term, and many people complain that they don't have enough of it in their lives. Among men and women alike, the frustrating search for work/life balance is a frequent topic of conversation, usually translated into not enough time and/or support to do, to handle, or to manage our work commitments or personal responsibilities. "Juggling competing demands is tiring if not stressful and brings lower productivity, sickness, and absenteeism, so work/life balance is an issue for all employees and all organizations- (Alternative).
The exact meaning of work/life balance has different characteristics "it means different things to different people and different groups, and the meaning often depends on a specific person's views. The work/life balance from an employee's viewpoint concerns the dilemma of managing work obligations and personal/family responsibilities. On the other hand, the work/life balance from an employer's viewpoint concerns the challenge of creating a supportive company culture where employees can focus on their jobs while at work (HR Practices). .
Although the American work ethic remains intact, personal and family lives have become critical values that Americans are less willing to put on hold, put aside, or ignore, for the sake of work. Over time, the American workforce has begun to change course from being willing to spend every hour working to learning to manage the complexities of modern living. In addition, the impact of the terrorist attacks of September 11th has led many people to re-evaluate their lives and consider the meaning of work. Consequently, Americans are looking for options that allow for both a personal and family life, and many seek ways to have it all.
