Workplace Challenges
Family valued over jobWhile it seems many Canadians would prefer their kitchen table over the boardroom table any day, most don't feel their employer cares about work-life balance. |
|
 [ 2007-05-09 ] |
© 2007 Jupiterimages Corporation.
A study published last month by Desjardins Financial Security found that while 25% of Canadians are assured their organization "walks the talk" around work-life balance, only 29% feel their employer truly cares about them having it in their lives.
SURVEY FOUND
Released in advance of the Canadian Mental Health Association's National Mental Health Week (May 7-13), the survey found while many companies are implementing programs to promote balance, 65% of Canadians feel the values in their workplace and personal values are not in tune.
When asked what they valued, 54% of respondents listed family first.
Work topped the list for only 10%. In a release, Toronto psychiatrist Dr. Irvin Wolkoff called the gap in values a "warning sign" to employers.
MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES
"If employees do not feel that they can balance their work and their personal priorities such as their families, not only are we going to see the number of Canadians struggling with mental health issues increase, but we are also going to face an employee base who are resentful, disengaged and stressed," he said.
Glenn Thompson, CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association, said often both partners in a family are working and raising kids. Combined with job stress, it can lead to depression, burnout and anxiety disorders.
The survey saw 1,508 people interviewed between Feb. 12 and March 14. The margin of error is considered within 2.6 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
Do you have you a bad boss?