•Press Release
June 10, 2008
Sound work-life policies strengthen the economy
For Immediate Release: June 10, 2008
Contact: Margy Waller, (202) 552-1713, [email protected]
Washington, DC — In a new report released this week, The Mobility Agenda finds that the U.S. economy, workplace, workforce, and labor market have changed radically in the last 50 years, yet public and private policies have not kept up with these changes.
In recent years, policymakers have begun considering new options for allowing workers to meet the often-conflicting demands of work and other life obligations. These proposals include a variety of options for time off from work—both paid and unpaid—and more flexibility in the workplace through initiatives like paid family and medical leave, paid sick days, and scheduling predictability.
In Work-Life Policies for the Twenty-First Century Economy, the authors review the evidence regarding work-life conflicts, the economic case for policy initiatives, and effectiveness of the policy options.
“Currently, no federal or state laws exist to guarantee that employers offer paid sick days,” says Margy Waller, Executive Director of The Mobility Agenda and a co-author of this report. “Yet, providing more flexibility in the workplace not only helps employees, but also can yield important benefits for employers.”
The Mobility Agenda is a think tank in Washington, DC that seeks to stimulate and shape a dialogue to build public support for strengthening the labor market, benefiting our economy, workers, and communities.
“No single policy will meet all needs, which is why we recommend a menu of policy solutions to address changes in workforce, living arrangements, and society,” explains Waller. The authors, Heather Boushey, Layla Moughari, Sarah Sattelmeyer, and Margy Waller present a clear explanation of the policy options and make specific recommendations for decision-makers.
For more information, including the full report and abstract, please see: www.mobilityagenda.org/worklife.
