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Recent Work and Family Poll Results


Question Results
   

At your workplace, do you experience tension between workers of different generations around work style and expectations?

Somewhat 37% results
A great deal 36% results
Not at all 27% results
September 11, 2009 - October 15, 2009  n=70
 
   

Are you taking vacation time this summer?

Yes, but I am taking less time than I want to 30% results
No, I don’t have the money for vacation this year 27% results
Yes, I am taking the time that I desire 23% results
No, I’m too busy at work 14% results
No, I am afraid that it will put my job at risk 7% results
August 1, 2009 - September 11, 2009  n=74
 
   

When you or a family member is sick, who do you think should provide your pay when you stay home from work (please select all that apply)?

My employer  41% results
My local government, state or country  24% results
No one, it’s my responsibility  22% results
My employer, but not if it’s a small business  11% results
Other answer... 2% results
Assuming I can work from home--and why not?--my employer should pay.    
June 26, 2009 - July 31, 2009     n=63
 
   

What is your experience with telework?

I occasionally work remotely 47% results
I work remotely several days a week 23% results
I wish that I could work remotely but my employer does not support this 12% results
I work remotely every day 10% results
My job is not suited for telework 8% results
May19, 2009 - June 25, 2009     n=73
 
   

If you participate in social media networks (i.e., Facebook, LinkedIn), are you able to keep your personal/family and work lives separate?

It's difficult 49% results
Not easy or difficult 26% results
It's easy 25% results
April 10, 2009 - May 19, 2009     n=53
 
   

Due to the economic climate, have you changed your lifestyle (for example, spending less money, delaying major purchases, cutting non-critical expenses etc.)?

Quite a bit 47% results
Somewhat 46% results
Not at all 7% results
March 12, 2009 - April 10, 2009     n=57
 
   

Have you ever used the Family Medical Leave Act?

No, I have not used FMLA 36% results
Yes, I used all 12 weeks 30% results
Yes, but I only used some of it

15%

results
No, I was not eligible (business too small or not at job long enough) 9% results
No, I wanted to use it but could not afford time off without pay 9% results
Comments on this poll:  

"I used the FMLA after the birth of my first child, I had income from short-term disability insurance, and it worked well. But for my second child, I wasn't eligible because I hadn't met the hours threshold, and for my third child, I wasn't eligible because my employer had too few employees to be covered. Like a lot of women, I took these ineligible jobs because they offered flexibility. So I've come to think of the FMLA as the 'Firstborn and Medical Leave Act' - because you're most likely to be covered at the point where you've been the ideal full-time worker BEFORE you've started your family."

— A. Nolan

"Only needed 3 weeks post-surgery so although I didn't use all 12 weeks, it was not medically indicated to take 12 weeks."

— M. O'Brien

February 10, 2009 - March 11, 2009      n=66
 
   

How do you (or those you know) manage dependent care in an unexpected weather situation?

I stay home 43% results
I ask a relative/family member 27% results
I swap with my spouse/partner 20% results
My babysitter helps out 5% results
I ask a neighbor or friend 3% results
I have back-up care 2% results
January 14, 2009 - February 9, 2009     n=60
 
   

With the current downturn in the global economy, do you think that employers are more supportive or less supportive of flexible work arrangements?

Less supportive 70% results
More supportive 26% results
No change 4% results
December 15, 2008 - January 13, 2009      n=27
 
   

What term best describes the concept of efforts to manage work and life?

Work-life balance 47% results
Work-life integration 25% results
Work-life juggle 8% results
Work-life fit 7% results
Work-life flow 5% results
Work-life rhythm 5% results
Other 3% results
November 21, 2008 - December 15, 2008      n=60
 
   

Has technology improved or complicated your work-family balance?

Improved 52% results
Complicated 41% results
No change 7% results
November 6, 2008 - Novermber 21, 2008      n=29
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Sloan Work and Family Research Network E-mail:
Phone: 617-552-1708
Fax: 617-552-9202
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