FlexPaths 2011

Working flexibly doesn’t mean you have to wear pants with a flexible waistband.

There. We said it.

By Karol Rose

For the first time in its 20 year history, the Families and Work study of the Changing Workforce found that men report experiencing more work-life conflict than women, with 59% of fathers in dual-income families reporting conflict compared to 45% of mothers. This study, which is reported in USA Today and the WSJ in a column about the 'new workplace equalizer', among others, sites other interesting findings as well.

However, the fact that men are now not only as stressed, but actually more stressed, may not surprise many working couples today. They're just not that used to it..the 'balancing' or 'juggling' act. And, while the added stress is not good news for men, the fact that they're sharing responsibility for life needs is good news. And, I think the added stress men are experiencing may actually be beneficial for everyone. It may be the tipping point that moves organizations to embrace flexibility in the way work is done, which is one of the primary ways to relieve work-life conflict resulting from not being able to effectively manage work and life.