1

Work/Life in Academia

University of KentuckyThe President’s Work-Life

RetreatJune 3, 2002

Presented by: Leslie de Pietro

2

What is Work/Life?

Overview Historical perspective

3

Parental/Family Care leave

Tenure clock postponement (faculty)

Modified duties (faculty)Flexible Work Options

Work Life Options: Policies

4

Part time return to work policy Sick Leave Short term & extended (employee)

Days off for family illness Time off for emergencies

W/L Options:

Policies (cont.)

5

Dependent care assistance plan Child care/elder care subsidy (voucher)

Adoption Assistance Health insurance (for dependents)

W/L Options:

Financial Support

6

Long term care insurance

Tuition reimbursement (professional development)

College tuition assistance

Dual Career and relocation assistance

W/L Options:

Financial Support

7

Child Care Center(s)

Emergency/sick child care

School-age and summer camp program(s)

Adult Day Care Center(s)

W/L Options:

Program development

8

Flex schedules

Compressed work week

Job sharing

Voluntary reduced time

Telecommuting

W/L Options:

Flexible Scheduling

9

Work/Life issues affecting workforce

Flexible scheduling

Legal and policy issues (FMLA, ADA)

W/L Options:

Management Training

10

Dependent care resource and referral

Workshops

Employee Counseling

Relocation Assistance

W/L Options:

Information & Referral

11

Expos and Fairs

Booklets and Newsletters

Health and wellness initiatives

Lactation rooms/diapering areas

W/L Options:

Information & Referral (cont.)

12

Benefits of Work/Life InitiativesBenefits of Work/Life Initiatives

Recruitment & retention

Productivity

“Great Place to Work”

13

Being a model; good corporate citizen

Attracting diverse workforce

Appealing to employees’ values

Benefits of Work/Life Benefits of Work/Life Indicatives (cont.)Indicatives (cont.)

14

Lessons LearnedLessons Learned Find a “champion”

Needs assessment/climate survey?

Use existing resources (students)

15

Lessons Learned Lessons Learned (cont.)(cont.)

Benchmark w/ peer universities

Publicize departmental initiatives & W/L leaders

Provide data + anecdotes

16

From my mentor: From my mentor:

Change happens only when things hurt too much to stay the same!

-Kathleen Danemiller