The Costs and Benefits of Policies to Advance Work/Life Integration

Abstract

This article discusses the need for improvedwork/life policies, provides examples of successful and promising policy approaches, and describes methods of assessing the costs and benefits of expanded work/life supports. The current need arises from women's influx into the labor force, a decline in employer-provided benefits that support family care, an inadequate supply of child care, and inequality in the distribution of work/life benefits across income levels. Advocates in a number of states are engaged in intensive advocacy to pass paid parental leave and paid sick leave laws. Meaningful policy and programmatic change requires building public will within governments, business, and the general public. To achieve expansive policy change over the long-term, innovative efforts are needed to build a broad-based grassroots movement focused on work/life issues, to encourage businesses to vocally endorse improved practices, and to cultivate policy maker champions through improved female political representation.