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I was recently asked, “What are the current trends in work-life and work-family?” Reviewing the resources we’ve added, examined or blogged about on the Sloan Network, I developed the following list. In addition, I’ve provided Sloan Network resources and other sources for more information.

1.    Aging Workforce and Older Workers
We are redefining retirement as older workers continue to work into their 60’s, 70’s and 80’s for financial, personal and career reasons. Some demographics indicate that there will not be sufficient younger workers to replace exiting older workers in many industries. As average life expectancy continues to increase, many are physically able to work longer. A few resources: 1, 2, 3, 4.

2.    Family Caregiving
Family caregiving issues are paramount, including elder care, sandwich generation, child care and family responsibility discrimination.

3.    Green Practices
There is growing attention to being environmentally conscious or “green” with increased implementation of four-day work weeks and telework. Initiatives previously viewed as work-family are now being reframed as environmental. A ten-hour work day with Fridays off can be great for some employees and employers, but may be a work-family nightmare for others. Additional resources here and here.

4.    Military Families
Managing work and family responsibilities is particularly difficult for military families, with nearly 1.8 million children living in military families. Challenges include frequent moves, school disruptions, financial strain and family separation.

5.    Multigenerational Workforce
Emphasis has been placed on understanding the multigenerational workforce, with attention to matching employee needs with workplace benefits and work styles— some say that younger workers do not want to work like older workers and have a different vision of a satisfying work environment. A few resources: 1, 2.

6.    Overworked or Underemployed?

Although some workers can’t find enough work, many professional workers complain of overwork with long hours and little time for healthy behaviors such as exercise or family dinners. Reports indicate that workers are reluctant to take needed sick days, and may not use all their allotted vacation time or work while away. A few resources: 1, 2, 3, 4.

7.    Parents Caring for Children with Disabilities
The number of families affected, the stress on family relationships, and the impediments to workforce participation are considerable. One in seven children under age 18, or approximately 10.2 million children in the U.S., have special health care needs. Nearly 14% of parents caring for children with special health care needs spend more than 10 hours per week coordinating child care. Employers and community resources must do their part to better support these working parents and their families. Resources: 1, 2

8.    Talent Management to Keep the Keepers
Increasing employee engagement is a high priority to improve productivity and morale, as well as recruit and retain key talent. Innovative employers have introduced programs such as sabbaticals or extended leave time, mass career customization, lactation rooms for breastfeeding or even bringing your baby to work. A few Encyclopedia Entries: 1, 2

9.    Technology Affects Work Life Balance
Realizing how technology (email, Blackberry, etc.) impacts our work-family lives has led to a blending between work and home boundaries in a 24/7 global economy. What are your work hours when your team is in the U.K., the U.S., Spain and Australia? Is it OK to turn off  your Blackberry after dinner? What does the 21st century workplace look like?  A few resources: 1, 2

10.    Wellness and Health Care Costs
Rising health care costs have pushed employers to pay attention to employee wellness, since healthy employees have lower health care costs. Efforts include on-site fitness or yoga, health assessments, paid sick days and incentives to promote healthy behavior. The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) continues to have a profound impact on employees.

• Dependent Care , Gen X/Gen Y , Leave , Military , Older Workers , Overwork , Scheduling , Spillover , Telework