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Work / Life Issues

Sign of the times? Schools consider 4-Day week

07/08/2008
The MACCRAY School District, which serves the towns of Maynard, Clara City and Raymond, has floated a plan to cut Monday classes to save on fuel prices …

10 ways to help ease employees’ pain at the pump

07/03/2008
Nearly a third of HR pros in a recent survey reported knowing at least one employee who quit in the past year because the high price of gas made the commute too expensive. Some organizations are addressing the driving dilemma—and revving up their retention programs—by pushing telework and shorter workweeks. But other employers take an even more direct approach: paying for employees’ gas …

Preserve flex, work/life benefits during tough economy

07/03/2008

The stormy economy hasn’t dampened employers’ interests in offering work/life benefits to their employees, says a new study. Even as organizations severely cut contributions to health care, disability programs and pension plans, they continue to offer flexible schedules, child and elder care support, and employee assistance with family and personal problems …

Protect frequent business fliers with travel assistance plan

07/03/2008
Your organization’s frequent business travelers know that political unrest, terrorism and natural disasters increase the risk of trekking to foreign destinations. Calm their fears—and keep them safe—by prearranging for medical care should they fall ill or be injured, legal or financial help in case they’re robbed, or evacuation if there’s a disaster …

Domestic violence victims get help from their employer

07/03/2008
Domestic violence victims who work for Phoenix-based marketing communications firm McMurry Inc. have a place to stay. They get unlimited paid leave and support from their managers, who help check them into a free shelter. If they need lawyers, the company pays for them …

Energy firm workers stay fit with scuba

07/03/2008
Oklahoma City is a long way away from the ocean, but Chesapeake Energy Corp. encourages employees to stay healthy by taking scuba diving lessons. The push is part of the company’s “Living Well” program, which pays employees up to $1,000 a year for improving their health through exercise and education …

Long list of conveniences keeps employees on board

07/03/2008
The HR team at Insomniac Games in Burbank, Calif., constantly surveys employees to learn which benefits they want. The exercise, says HR Director Carrie Dieterle, boosts productivity. One employee favorite: the firm’s $125,000-a-year snack program …

Tailor incentives to encourage most important health behaviors

07/03/2008
Half of large employers use incentives to encourage employees to quit smoking, lose weight or otherwise improve their health, and that number will leap to 74% next year, predicts HR consulting firm Watson Wyatt Worldwide …

Employees reveal 6 most pressing workplace challenges

07/03/2008
BusinessWeek readers have identified their top six workplace challenges: work/life balance, staying “entrepreneurial,” toxic bosses, time management, negotiating bureaucracy and generational tension …

By the Numbers: Faking it: Excuses for arriving late

07/03/2008
Twenty-four percent of employees admit they lie when explaining why they’re late for work. Here are their top excuses…