Work-Life Balance in a Recession

Finding a healthy work-life balance can be difficult, even when economic times are good. These days, it turns out, the bum economy is leading some people to work harder and ask their employers for less. They may be hurting themselves and their employers, reports Paul Nyhan on seattlepi.com.

During a recession, workers' behavior often changes. Out of fear of losing their jobs, they are more likely to:

• work longer hours
• reduce maternity leave
• skip vacations

None of these things will increase productivity or worker satisfaction in the long term.

What does this mean in the world of corporate wellness?

It's a good time to make sure work-life balance stays on everybody's radar screens--and has a prominent place in newsletters and other employee communications.