Human Resources: Work-Life Benefits Key to Employee Satisfaction, Retention During Economic Downturn

RALEIGH, N.C., May 5, 2009 - As the recession continues to constrict budgets and businesses look for ways to cut spending, companies may need to reconsider any plans to scale back employee work-life benefits. According to a new poll released by Workplace Options, 41 percent of employees are dissatisfied with the level of work-life benefits being offered through their employer and 49 percent would consider leaving their current company for better work-life benefits offered elsewhere.

Work-life balance is now rated one of the most important workplace attributes, second only to compensation, according to research by the Corporate Executive Board. Furthermore, employees who feel they have a good work-life balance work 21 percent harder than those who don't.

The Workplace Options poll also found that seven out of ten workers are currently stressed by their job. Many employees are feeling the pressure to work harder than ever in an effort to please managers and ensure job security. As workplace anxieties rise and employees have less time for family and personal commitments, benefits that promote work-life balance play an important role in morale, productivity and ultimately the company's bottom line.

"We were surprised to see that even in these challenging economic times where many workers are lucky to have a job, nearly half of the employees polled were still willing to leave their job for another company that would offer them better work-life balance," said Dean Debnam, chief executive officer for Workplace Options. "In order to retain valuable workers, businesses must be attuned to the heightened challenges employees facing at the intersection of work and life."

To help employees better manage work and personal commitments, many employers offer a variety of work-life benefits such as help with finding child and elder care, back-up care for when their regular care plans fall through, wellness counselling and financial and legal consultation. For more information on these work-life benefits, visit www.workplaceoptions.com.

The national survey on job satisfaction, conducted by the North Carolina firm of Public Policy Polling April 17-19, polled 987 adults. The survey has a margin of error of +- 3.1 percent. Full survey results can be viewed at www.workplaceoptions.com/polls.asp.

About Workplace Options
Workplace Options (WPO) is America's largest provider of work-life services. WPO's market-leading products are recognized for their innovative Web delivery, flexibility and affordable pricing. WPO also offers network management solutions and 24/7 call center services that help EAPs run their businesses more profitably and efficiently. For more information about WPO, please visit www.workplaceoptions.com.

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