Juggle Between Work & Family

Dr. Anita M. SubramaniamBalancing Work & Family


Examples• Before I was married this is how I

went to work

• After marriage, things changed….– I started cooking– I had less time for personal grooming– I had more housework to take care of


Examples• After children, there was a metamorphosis

– My husband traveled at least 28 days in a month– I gained weight, no time for self grooming– I lost my temper several times a day– I had no time for breakfast most days– I started thriving on junk food– My hair turned completely white– I slept less and less every night– I was tired at work– I looked ten years older– I could not focus on work– I had no career goals


I decided to change

• Policy for everything in the US– Children have no time sense/sense of

urgency

• Policies at home– Children love to do what adults do


Mr. Hurry & Mr. Calm


The Story

Mr. Hurry is always on the run

He works long hours but never finishes his tasks on time

He is unhappy, tired, and unsure of himself

He loves to be with his family; but he never has sufficient time


The Story

Mr. Calm plans his work

He is focused

He completes his job on time

He leaves work early and spends time with his family


Ask Yourself…

Who would you like to be?


• Do you spend more time at work than you Do you spend more time at work than you would like to? would like to?

•• Do you think about work when you are at Do you think about work when you are at home?home?

•• Do you spend more time commuting to Do you spend more time commuting to work than you spend with your children in a work than you spend with your children in a day?day?

•• Do you spend weekends at work?Do you spend weekends at work?•• Do you lose your temper at home that is Do you lose your temper at home that is

due to stress pileup at work?due to stress pileup at work?•• Do you feel upset/anxious because of Do you feel upset/anxious because of

what is happening at work? what is happening at work? •• Does work negatively affect your personal Does work negatively affect your personal

life?life?


• Are you late often to work because of family situation?

• Do you worry about your children when at work?

• Do you take time off from work to take care of children/sick family members?

• Do you grapple for time at work because of family demands?

• Do you feel tired when you come to work?


Do you think it is time to change?Research Says:• Concerns at home influence productivity at work• Concerns at work influence harmony at home• More women at work than a decade ago• Opt Out Revolution - women opt out work for

family• Fathering Deficit on the increase• Higher rates of alcohol use, smoking, & drug

use• Sleep disorders• Problems in physical relationships• Workplace violence and temper on the increase


What you can do….

@ workplaceWork expands to fit time allotted

(Parkinson’s Law), so…• Change work habits• Prioritize• Plan your time – important vs. urgent• Organize• Don’t procrastinate These can increase productivity


Work with your colleagues…

• Understand their needs• Allow them to grow• Spend time with them• Teach them to perform better• Don’t micromanage• Appreciate new ideas and talents• Show you care


What institutions are doing..

Introducing workshops on Work/Family BalanceUnderstand alternate work schedules:– flex time, – telecommuting, – shift swap, – limits on overtime, – compressed workweek etc.Consideration of family needs


What are your family demands?

Are you able to satisfy them?


What you can do…

@ home….Work activities

Don’t sweat the small stuff


Don’t neglect your spouse …

• Your spouse is an important person in your life

• Do not take him/her for granted• Share views not show anger• Understand his/her needs• Let him/her know you care• Spend special time• Talk over issues


Children come first…• Understand your children’s needs• Express your care and love• Laugh off children’s pranks they don’t last long• Allot more time for them• Plan activities you can do with them• Joke & play with them• Tell them stories• Read to them at bed time• Share your knowledge• Discipline them when you have to


Personally…• Eat healthy but easy to cook meals• Take care of your health• Learn to relax• Follow a hobby you enjoy• Pamper yourself• Develop a sense of humor• Prioritize family needs and demands• Entertain friends and family W/ family• Love yourself


It is always time to celebrate

• Past is history, future is mystery and present is all we have and that is why is it called The “Present”

Celebrate your life… nothing is more important than happiness

Documents

Juggle Between Work & Family