Phone calls. Meetings. Deadlines. Surprises. Family obligations. Quality time? What a joke!..

Sound familiar? Do you feel like the demands on your time are spinning out of control?

Opening Doors on Work/Life Issues

Hello! You have connected to www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~worklife. This is a World Wide Web site established to provide on-going support and outreach to an Extension research study on balancing our work and personal lives.

Extension systems throughout the country are experiencing profound changes. Financial problems, issues of accountability, restructuring, staff reductions, and redirection are some of the things we hear about and face every day. At the same time, our family roles are becoming increasingly complex. What's going on? Where are we personally and organizationally with these changes? What can be done?

The Joint Council of Extension Professionals (JCEP) funded a national research study by Ohio State University Extension to identify issues concerning Extension personnel and their families in the area of balancing work, family and personal time. Our study involved a national forum via electronic technology to identify key issues of personnel and family members, a mail survey to a stratified random sample of Extension employees and family members drawn from the four national regions, and reports of findings to JCEP and to all Extension organizations.

A national satellite conference was held on May 7, 1998 to report on this research effort and to address ongoing issues related to work/life balance. Teams of employees from all state Extension systems were encouraged to view and participate in this learning opportunity. Each state was asked to identify a minimum of one core team to participate in the satellite and to become involved in identifying state strategies to address work/life issues.

Participating states identified a coordinator who facilitated a state team. Teams viewed the satellite program, shared strategies, and reviewed current policies that focus on work/life issues for Extension employees.

The information gathered from across the country can provide insight for the entire Extension organization as it meets personnel and life challenges in the twenty-first century. This objective is critical to the future well-being and effectiveness of the Extension system.

A videotape of the teleconference is available from OSU Publications (614) 292-1607. Order information is:
ODWLI VT070 Opening Doors Work/Life Issues
$15.00 + $3.50 shipping & handling

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