Sloan Work and Family Research Network

Policy Briefing Series (PBS), 2009, Issue 19 - Opportunities for Policy Leadership on the Impact of the Recession on Work and Family

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

By Julie Weber, JD, Mary Curlew, LICSWThe Sloan Work and Family Research Network has created a series of publications called, the Policy Briefing Series. These publications provide state legislators and their staff with answers to questions about specific work-family issues, such as, “How does afterschool care affect my constituents?” and “What can be done about telework?” This publication is mailed to legislators across the United States.Download Issue 19 in this series, entitled "The Impact of the Recession on Work and Family": http://wfnetwork.bc.edu/pdfs/policy_makers19.pdf

Policy Mini-Brief Series, 2009, Issue 08 - Telework

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

By Mary Curlew, LICSW and Julie Weber, JDThe Sloan Work and Family Research Network has created a series of publications called the Policy Mini-Brief Series. These publications are shorter, complimentary briefs to the Policy Briefing Series, providing state legislators and their staff with a one page summary of work-family policy issues.Download Issue 8 in this series, entitled "Telework": http://wfnetwork.bc.edu/pdfs/minib_telework.pdf

Bills Related to Dependent Care Tax Assistance (2009)

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

This legislative summary sheet was developed to give an overview of the policy and legislation related to dependent care. Statutes and bills can be reviewed individually, but often it is useful to view them in “themes” or “clusters” to:Highlight legislative activity in one particular state Make it easier to compare legislation between states Illustrate varying legislation language and contentView the Bills by Theme on Dependent Care Tax Assistance

Policy Mini-Brief Series, 2009, Issue 06 - Part-Time Work

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

By Andrew Kang, JD and Julie Weber, JDThe Sloan Work and Family Research Network has created a series of publications called the Policy Mini-Brief Series. These publications are shorter, complimentary briefs to the Policy Briefing Series, providing state legislators and their staff with a one page summary of work-family policy issues.Download Issue 6 in this series, entitled "Part-Time Work": http://wfnetwork.bc.edu/pdfs/minib_parttime.pdf

Berit Bradth

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Adrienne Burgess

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Andrea Doucet

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Richard Fletcher

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Jane Millar

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Margaret O'Brien

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Eberhard Schaefer

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Jennifer Schmidt

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Policy Mini-Brief Series, 2009, Issue 07 - Phased Retirement

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

By Andrew Kang, JD and Julie Weber, JDThe Sloan Work and Family Research Network has created a series of publications called the Policy Mini-Brief Series. These publications are shorter, complimentary briefs to the Policy Briefing Series, providing state legislators and their staff with a one page summary of work-family policy issues.Download Issue 7 in this series, entitled "Phased Retirement": http://wfnetwork.bc.edu/pdfs/minib_phasedretirement.pdf

Policy Briefing Series (PBS), 2009, Issue 18 - Opportunities for Policy Leadership on School Involvement Leave

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

By Mary Curlew, LICSW; Julie Weber, JDThe Sloan Work and Family Research Network has created a series of publications called, the Policy Briefing Series. These publications provide state legislators and their staff with answers to questions about specific work-family issues, such as, “How does afterschool care affect my constituents?” and “What can be done about telework?” This publication is mailed to legislators across the United States.Download Issue 18 in this series, entitled "School Involvement Leave": http://wfnetwork.bc.edu/pdfs/policy_makers18.pdf

Laura DenDulk

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Single Workers: with children, women, employment (2004)

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

“…in 2002…58% of unmarried women with children under 3 years old were employed” (United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2004, [pp. 261]

Single Workers: with children, women, race, employment (2004)

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

“For unmarried women with children under 3 years…Black and Hispanic women are least likely to be employed (53% and 55% respectively), whereas 62% of unmarried White women are employed” (United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2004, [pp. 16-17]).

Casper, W. J., & Swanberg, J. E. (2009). Single childfree adults: The work-life stress of an unexpected group. In A. G. Antoniou, C. L. Cooper, G. P. Chrousos, C. D. Spielberger, & M. W. Eysenck (Eds.), Handbook of managerial behavior and occupational hea

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

http://library.bc.edu/F?func=find-b&local_base=BCL_WF&find_code=SYS&request=000010890

Single Workers: personal concerns, underappreciated (2009)

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Specifically, 65% of the participants were providing some kind of financial assistance to family or friends, and 24% were providing some kind of direct caregiving to family or friends. Responsibilities to pets were very common, with 57% reporting having and caring for pets in the home (Casper Swanberg, 2009, p. 100).

Single Workers: negative stereotypes, personality traits (2006)

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Married people were more likely than singles to be described as mature, stable, honest, happy, kind, and loving. Singles were more often called immature, insecure, self-centered, unhappy, lonely, and ugly (but also, on the positive side, independent). The perceived differences between single and married people were often quite large. For example, married people were described as caring, kind, and giving almost 50% of the time, compared to only 2% of the time for singles (DePaulo Morris, 2006, p. 251).

Single Workers: nonwork responsibilities (2009)

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Some 35% of participants reported that at their workplaces, single people without children were perceived as though they did not have important responsibilities outside of work (Casper Swanberg, 2009, p. 99).

Single Workers: marital status, stigma, perceptions (2009)

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Some 19% of participants reported feeling stigmatized because of their single identity, and 16% reported that married workers were perceived to be more stable and mature than singles (Casper Swanberg, 2009, p. 100).

test test

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

test test

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

test test

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Single Workers: benefits, opportunities, equality (2007)

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Although there were no differences between singles and those with families in perceived social inclusion, workers with families believed their employers provided more equal work opportunities for singles, more equal access to benefits, more equal respect for nowwork roles, and more equal work expectations than did single workers (Casper, Weltman, Kwesiga, 2007, p. 495).

Single Workers: marital status (2006)

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Almost two-thirds (60%) of unmarried and single adult men and women in 2006 have never been married.

Single Workers: with children, women, child care (2007)

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

“…8.10% of currently employed low-income women, 4.40% of currently employed higher income women, 14.83% of previously employed low-income women, and 18.00% of previously employed higher income women often or always find it difficult to deal with child care problems during work hours” (Ciabattari, 2007, p. 44).

Single Workers: with children, work flexibility (2007)

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

“The highest reports of conflict are found in the last item, which asks if the mother’s work schedule offers enough flexibility to handle family needs. The result shows that 29.55% of currently employed low-income women and 20.80% of currently employed higher income women report this stress, compared to 37.88% of previously employed low-income women and 40.00% of previously employed high-income women” (Ciabattari, 2007, p.44).

Single Workers: with children, welfare (2007)

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

“Since 1996, welfare rolls have declined by well more than 50%, and most of these former recipients are now employed” (Ciabattari, 2007, p. 57).

Single Workers: with children (1998)

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

“The growth of one-parent families is slowing. They comprise 27% of family households with children, up from 24% in 1990 and 11% in 1970” (U.S. Census Bureau, 1998).

Single Workers: with children (1998)

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

“Men now comprise one-sixth of the nation's 11.9 million single parents” (U.S. Census Bureau, 1998).

Single Workers: with children, women (2001)

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

“For the nation as a whole, the extra growth in labor force participation of single mothers is raising the total growth of the workforce from about 1.2 percent to about 1.4 percent or 1.5 percent per year” (Lerman, 2001, p. 7).

Single Workers: with children, military, stress (1999)

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

“…55% of single fathers and 53% of single mothers reported being unable to successfully manage both the work stress and family stress in their lives” (Heath Orthner, 1999, p. 568).

Single Workers: double standard (2009)

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Some 30% of participants described some kind of double standard regarding work expectations for single and married workers (Casper Swanberg, 2009, p. 98).

test test

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Single Workers: unmarried, population (2006)

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Unmarried and single U.S. residents numbered 92 million in 2006, making up 42% of all U.S. residents 18 and older.

Single Workers: household arrangements, living alone (2006)

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

In 2006, slightly more than one in four households, 26%, consisted of a person living alone.

Single Workers: with children, women (2007)

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

“…only 10% of low-income women and 5% of higher income women have completely dropped out of the labor market” (Ciabattari, 2007, p. 42).

test test

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Špela Trefalt

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Single Workers and Employment

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

http://www.unmarriedamerica.org/kcet-tv.htm

Singled Out: Why Should We Stay Late at Work Just Because We Didn’t Get Hitched?

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

http://www.anti9to5guide.com/2007/11/04/singled-out-why-should-we-stay-late-at-work-just-because-we-didnt-get-hitched/

Single Workers: perception, expectations (2009)

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

“One of the most common themes that emerged was a perception of participants that as single people they were subject to different expectations at work from workers with families. In total, 62% of participants provided examples of ways in which they felt that they were treated differently from their co-workers with families” (Casper Swanberg, 2009, p. 98).

Single workers: supervisors, different treatment (2009)

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

The frequency data suggest a perceived tendency for supervisors to be more supportive of nonwork issues among married workers. Specifically, although 32% of participants described supervisor actions that were supportive of singles' nonwork issues, 41 % described supervisor actions that supported workers with families. Moreover, whereas 8% mentioned unsupportive actions of supervisors toward singles, only 5% discussed a lack of support for married workers (Casper Swanberg, 2009, p. 101).

Single Workers: personal concerns, underappreciated (2009)

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Study participants reported a vast array of responsibilities to other people with whom they had personal relationships such as extended family members (e.g., parents, siblings), friends, dating partners, members of their church communities, and even an exchange student. Specifically, 65% of the participants were providing some kind of financial assistance to family or friends, and 24% were providing some kind of direct caregiving to family or friends. Responsibilities to pets were very common, with 57% reporting having and caring for pets in the home (Casper Swanberg, 2009, p. 99-100).

Single Workers: unmarried, population (2006)

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Unmarried and single U.S. residents numbered 92 million in 2006, making up 42% of all U.S. residents 18 and older.

National Public Radio: The Changing Face of America

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1112897

National Public Radio: Childless Movement

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1113609

National Public Radio: Adults without Kids

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1072295

Public Radio: David Molpus talks to Randall Tobias, Chief Executive Officer

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1029847

National Public Radio: Marketplace Report: Economics of Single Workers

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6869375

Singles, Definition(s) of

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

“We can define singles as legally single or socially single, though the two often overlap. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 40% of adults are legally single, including people who are divorced or widowed and those who have always been single. In everyday interactions, what matters most often is whether a person is socially single or socially coupled. People who are in sexual partnerships regarded as serious by themselves and others are socially coupled” (DePaulo Morris, 2006, p. 251). “Singles often maintain a diversified relationship portfolio, rather than investing so much in just one person” (DePaulo Morris, 2006, p. 253). “Single adults without dependent children” (Casper Swanberg, 2009, p. 96).

Work-Family Relationship, Definition(s) of

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

“‘Managing work-family relationships’ dealt, respectively, with work and marital satisfaction, husbands’ and wives’ work time, dual career couples, and work-family supportive practices” (Young, 1999, p. 37). “For the purpose of the present study, the perceived fairness of work/family benefits is defined as a belief about the exchange relationship between employees and employers that deals with the offering and usage of work/family benefits” (Parker Allen, 2001, p. 454). Work/family benefits have been defined as “any benefit, working condition, or personnel policy that has been shown to empirically decrease job-family conflicts among employed parents” (Glass Fujimoto, 1995, p. 382).

Work-Family Backlash, Definition(s) of

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

“‘Work- family backlash’ is the popular term describing childless employees’ claim that they are penalized in the workplace in the following ways. They are expected to work additional hours and to fill in for parents whose child care responsibilities require them to leave work. They subsidize parental benefits such as dependent health care, insurance, and, at some companies, child care. While they may have equal access to elder care benefits, they may not qualify for other worklife programs such as flexible work arrangements or unpaid leaves” (Young, 1999, pp. 35-36). “Although these types of benefits appear popular, anecdotal reports have indicated that some employees believe that work/family benefits are inequitable and even discriminatory. This resentment among some employees has been referred to as ‘family-friendly backlash’” (Parker Allen, 2001, pp. 453-454).

Social Leverage, Definition(s) of

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

“…refers to using network ties for social mobility” (Ciabattari, 2007, p. 35).

Family Adaptation, Definition(s) of

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

“It is the consequence of the family’s meeting the collective needs of its members and responding effectively to the demands placed on it by external forces. Thus, it is the product of both internal and external adjustment strategies through which the family achieves a level of fit between its needs and relational resources and the demands placed on it by its environment” (Heath Orthner, 1999, p. 561).

Blair-Loy, M., & Wharton, A.S . (2002). Employees’ use of work-family policies and the workplace social context. Social Forces, 80, 813-845.

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

http://library.bc.edu/F?func=find-b&local_base=BCL_WF&find_code=SYS&request=000003475

Are Single Workers Treated Differently? (2009)

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Balderrama, A. (2009, February 23). Are single workers treated differently? CNN International. Retrieved October 25, 2009, from http://edition.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/worklife/02/23/cb.single.workers/index.html To access this document, visit: http://edition.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/worklife/02/23/cb.single.workers/index.html

When Employees Take Time Off for Parenting, Childless Co-Workers May Feel Resentment (2005)

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Darcey, S. (2005, September 26). When employees take time off for parenting, childless co-workers may feel resentment. BNA's Human Resources Report. Retrieved October 25, 2009, from http://www.unmarriedamerica.org/News-About-Us/Childless_workers_feeling_resentment.htm This article discusses the perceived inequity in the workplace between working parents and childless employees regarding work/family benefits and flextime for all employees. To access this document, visit: http://www.unmarriedamerica.org/News-About-Us/Childless_workers_feeling_resentment.htm

In “Family Friendly” Workplaces, Singles Feel Overlooked (2006)

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Bradley, M. (2006, June 12). In “family friendly” workplaces, singles feel overlooked. The Christian Science Monitor. Retrieved October 25, 2009, from http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0612/p13s01-wmgn.html This article reveals what kinds of discrimination against single workers can happen in the workplace, including social exclusion and more overtime. It also discusses the negative consequences that can develop for employers and what can be done to avoid them. To access this document, visit: http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0612/p13s01-wmgn.html

Kid-Friendly Policies Don't Help Singles (2006)

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Joyce, A. (2006, September 17). Kid-friendly policies don't help singles. The Washington Post. Retrieved October 25, 2009, from http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/16/AR2006091600123.html This article discusses the difficulties of maintaining a work-life balance for single workers and how flexible work policies are needed for all workers regardless of marital status. To access this document, visit: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/16/AR2006091600123.html

Single Workers: Do Bosses Assume Your Job Is Your Life? (1998)

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Burn, T. (1998, April 20). Single workers: Do bosses assume your job is your life? Unmarried America an Equal Rights Organization. The Washington Times. Retrieved October 25, 2009, from http://fpd.gsfc.nasa.gov/diversity/Singleworkers.pdf This article uses a study by the Conference Board to show how many childless single workers feel that they receive fewer benefits and have to work longer hours with fewer options for a flexible schedule. To access this document (PDF), visit: http://fpd.gsfc.nasa.gov/diversity/Singleworkers.pdf

Hey, Singles: Do Co-Workers and Bosses Expect You to Cover for Everyone Else over the Holidays? (2008)

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

DePaulo, B. (2008, December 1). Hey, singles: Do co-workers and bosses expect you to cover for everyone else over the holidays? Message posted to http://blogs.psychologytoday.com/blog/living-single. Retrieved October 25, 2009, from http://blogs.psychologytoday.com/blog/living-single/200812/hey-singles-do-co-workers-and-bosses-expect-you-cover-everyone-else-over--0. This blog post covers the issue of co-workers and employers assuming single workers can take extra shifts during holidays. A main problem is the fact that many singles have significant people in their lives that can take up their time, but they are not recognized because they are not spouses. The article includes the suggestion that working during holiday time should be divided equally among employees, regardless of relationship status. To access this document, visit: http://blogs.psychologytoday.com/blog/living-single/200812/hey-singles-do-co-workers-and-bosses-expect-you-cover-everyone-else-over--0

The Economy: A Single Person’s Vulnerability That Is Real (2008)

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

DePaulo, B. (2008, October 7). The economy: A single person’s vulnerability that is real. Message posted to http://blogs.psychologytoday.com/blog/living-single. Retrieved October 25, 2009, from http://blogs.psychologytoday.com/blog/living-single/200810/the-economy-a-single-persons-vulnerability-is-real This blog post discusses the different ways singles are treated unfairly in the workplace in terms of benefits and life in general. Examples are given of workers who received a pay increase when they got married and the unfairness of the social security system benefiting married individuals. The author stresses the need for awareness of discrimination against singles. To access this document, visit: http://blogs.psychologytoday.com/blog/living-single/200810/the-economy-a-single-persons-vulnerability-is-real

Changing Careers: Is It Different for Singles? (2009)

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

DePaulo, B. (2009, January 27). Changing careers: Is it different for singles? Message posted to http://blogs.psychologytoday.com/blog/living-single. Retrieved October 25, 2009, from http://blogs.psychologytoday.com/blog/living-single/200901/changing-careers-is-it-different-singlesThis blog post critiques Hallie Crawford’s Flying Solo: Career Transition Tips for Singles and discusses how generalized assumptions about the lack of connection and people in single life versus married life are not valid. The author emphasizes the fact that most singles also have support from others during a career transition just like married workers and that compensation should be fair when an employer hires a worker, regardless of that person’s relationship status. To access this document, visit: http://blogs.psychologytoday.com/blog/living-single/200901/changing-careers-is-it-different-singles

Do Employers Take Advantage of Single Workers? (2006)

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Riddell, K. (2006, May 10). Do employers take advantage of single workers? Medill News Service. Retrieved October 25, 2009, from http://www.unmarriedamerica.org/News-About-Us/employers_take_advantage_of_single_workers.htm This article describes how single workers are discriminated against, including during company events, the assumption that they have more free time to work longer hours, and the fact that benefits can be used for a married worker’s spouse. It is also mentioned that even though there is a great number of U.S. households composed of singles, political decisions and policies do not take them into account. Suggestions are offered for making benefits fair to all employees. To access this document, visit: http://www.unmarriedamerica.org/News-About-Us/employers_take_advantage_of_single_workers.htm

Many Singles Not Satisfied with Work-Life Balance (2005)

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Coleman, T. F. (2005, December 5). Column One: Many singles not satisfied with work-life balance. Unmarried America. Retrieved October 25, 2009, from http://www.unmarriedamerica.org/column-one/12-5-05-work-life-balance.htm This column presents an overview of how there are more single workers who are unhappy with their work-life balance than married workers and how employers giving more benefits to married workers causes resentment by singles. Advice is given to unmarried workers for finding an employer that does not discriminate against singles. To access this document, visit: http://www.unmarriedamerica.org/column-one/12-5-05-work-life-balance.htm

Does Married or Single Matter at Work? (2008)

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Lorenz, K. (2008, July 22). Does married or single matter at work? CareerBuilder.com. Retrieved October 25, 2009, from http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-689-Workplace-Issues-Does-Married-or-Single-Matter-at-Work/?ArticleID=689 cbRecursionCnt=1 cbsid=b8b81171cb0e43b88530d18773ff9b02-299864801-JM-5 This article looks at some of the assumptions that workers have about married employees receiving better treatment than singles in the workplace. The assumptions discussed include married employees with children receiving more benefits, having more flexible work options, and being able to put in fewer hours. It is found that most of these assumptions are false, and explanations for each are given. To access this document, visit: http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-689-Workplace-Issues-Does-Married-or-Single-Matter-at-Work/?ArticleID=689 cbRecursionCnt=1 cbsid=b8b81171cb0e43b88530d18773ff9b02-299864801-JM-5

Walking the Wire: Work/Life Balance and the Single Woman (2008)

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Chapman, H. (2008, September 16). Walking the wire: Work/life balance and the single woman. The Glass Hammer. Retrieved October 25, 2009, from http://www.theglasshammer.com/news/2008/09/16/walking-the-wire-worklife-balance-and-the-single-woman/ This article looks at the concept of work-life balance from the point of view of single women, who do not experience the “traditional” work-life balance idea of family versus work. Several women are interviewed and express how they keep work and life separate, including finding passions outside of work and informing co-workers that they have lives outside of the workplace. To access this document, visit: http://www.theglasshammer.com/news/2008/09/16/walking-the-wire-worklife-balance-and-the-single-woman/

Work Hard, Play Hard: Majority of Workers Satisfied with Work-Life Balance (2005)

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Leonardi, N., Kafenstok, S. (2005, August 17). Work hard, play hard: Majority of workers satisfied with work-life balance [Press release]. Tampa, FL: Hudson. Retrieved October 25, 2009, from http://www.hudson-index.com/documents/us-hudson-index-081705.pdf This press release describes Hudson’s work-life balance survey, which assesses the percentage of U.S. workers who are happy with their work-life balance. It looks at work-life balance in relation to how many hours per week an employee works and compares married workers’ work-life balance to that of single workers. To access this document (PDF), visit: http://www.hudson-index.com/documents/us-hudson-index-081705.pdf

Fair is Fair: Dealing with Single Employees (2005)

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Wormald, K. (2005, March/April). Fair is fair: dealing with single employees. Office Solutions. Retrieved October 25, 2009, from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa5359/is_200503/ai_n21368099/ This article looks at the issue of discrimination against singles in the workplace. It includes the ways singles may be treated differently, including less time off and fewer benefits. Solutions are offered as to how benefits can be given equally to married and single employees. Advice is also given regarding how to find a job at a workplace that treats singles fairly. To access this document, visit: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa5359/is_200503/ai_n21368099/

Baby Blues: Are Your Family-Friendly Policies Damaging Morale for Some Employees? (2000)

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Poe, A. C. (2000). The baby blues: Are your family-friendly policies damaging morale for some employees? HR Magazine, 45. Retrieved October 25, 2009, from http://moss07.shrm.org/Publications/hrmagazine/EditorialContent/0700/Pages/0700poe.aspx This article discusses how many single workers feel that they are treated unfairly by employers when working in a family-friendly workplace and whether the feeling of favoritism toward married workers is actually accurate. Key areas of this discrimination are reported by singles interviewed, including extra benefits, alternate work arrangements, holidays and sick days, and personal time. Solutions for employers to fairly address every worker’s needs are given. To access this document, visit: http://moss07.shrm.org/Publications/hrmagazine/EditorialContent/0700/Pages/0700poe.aspx

Are You Too Family Friendly? (2007)

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Wells, S. J. (2007). Are you too family friendly? As the proportion of single and childless workers increases, so do complaints of unfairness in employers’ benefits and policies. HR Magazine, 52. Retrieved October 25, 2009, from http://www.shrm.org/Publications/hrmagazine/EditorialContent/Pages/1007cover.aspx This article looks at the statistics on the number of single citizens in the U.S. and how this growing number needs to be taken into account in workplace practice and policies. Many single workers report work inequities, and this needs to be addressed by employers. Issues that make a workplace more attractive to singles are noted, with social inclusion being the most important factor. To access this document, visit: http://www.allbusiness.com/government/government-bodies-offices-us-federal-government/5504948-1.html