University Park, Pa. -- In an era of soaring health care costs, reducing work-life stress is a potential win-win proposition for employers, employees, and their families. Workplace policies that provide employees with more autonomy and flexibility in matters such as where and when they work, time off to deal with family concerns, and assistance with child care, may result in bottom-line pay-offs in terms of enhanced recruitment, retention, productivity, and lower health care costs.
The impact of current workplace policies on individuals, families, and organizations, as well as the future of workplace policies are discussed in the new book "Work-Life Policies. Work-Life Policies," edited by Ann C. Crouter, the Raymond E. and Erin Stuart Schultz dean of the College of Health and Human Development, and Alan Booth, distinguished professor of sociology, demography, and human development and family studies.