The Work-Family Challenge

`This book is a treasure trove of evidence and debate and is essential reading for anyone interested in human resource management and, indeed, in the relationships between work, employment and society′British Journal of Industrial Relations

InThe Work-Family Challenge contributors from the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States explore the possibilities of challenging traditional employment structures to take account of contemporary work and family realities. They take a critical look at the notion of `family-friendly′ employment, and explore ways in which the rapidly changing needs of both organizations and the workforce can be met.

The volume argues that real progress requires moving the focus from specific policies and practices towards more systemic organizational change. It examines the contexts and opportunities - global, international, national, sociopolitical, legal and economic - for this change. The book concludes that positive solutions are attainable but will require a rethinking of employment, with constructive partnerships at many different levels, and with work and family as a core strategic business issue.

Foreword - Cherie Booth
PART ONE: THE CONTEXT FOR CHANGE
Rethinking Employment - Suzan Lewis
An Organizational Change Framework
Reconciling Employment and Family Responsibilities - Peter Moss
A European Perspective
Work/Family Reconciliation and the Law - Jeremy Lewis
Intrusion or Empowerment?
PART TWO: POLICY AND PRACTICE
The `Family Friendly′ Employer in Europe - Lisa Harker
The Restructuring of Work and Family in the United States - Judith Gonyea and Bradley Googins
A New Challenge for American Corporations
Formal and Informal Flexibility in the Workplace - Helle Holt and Ivan Thaulow
Corporate Relocation Policies - Cary L Cooper
Developing and Implementing Policies - Suzan Lewis with Anne Watts and Christine Camp
The Midland Bank Experience
PART THREE: BARRIERS TO THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CURRENT POLICIES AND STRATEGIES FOR MOVING BEYOND POLICIES TO CULTURE CHANGE
Evaluating the Impact of `Family Friendly′ Employment Policies - Suzan Lewis and Karen Taylor
A Case Study
Constructing Pluralistic Work and Career Arrangements - Phyllis Hutton Raabe
Work Family Issues as a Catalyst for Organizational Change - Joyce K Fletcher and Rhona Rapoport
CONCLUSION
Rethinking Employment - Suzan Lewis and Jeremy Lewis
A Partnership Approach