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Chapter 2 - Reminiscing at the Kitchen Table

Patrice M. Buzzanell and John Duckworth

Synopsis

Joshua, a father and husband who adheres to Orthodox Jewish practices while also holding a high-powered professional job, is asked by his future son-in-law to provide a realistic preview of work-life balance. Joshua tells his side of “balance” and describes some high points and some times that weren’t as good for him and his partner, Sarah.

Keywords: Work-life balance, Religion, Difference, Work Flexibility, Overwork

Key Takeaways and Take a Stand Form

Key Takeaways

  1. Religion and spirituality rituals should be taken more seriously as part of work-life concerns for individuals and thereby recognized by organizations.
  2. Religious beliefs pose different work-life issues and challenges than other work-life considerations (e.g., child care).
  3. Organizations should work to provide accommodations to employees based on a wide range of work-life considerations—in this case, religious beliefs.
  4. Most cases of organizational work-life issues align with middle-class populations and managerial or professional occupations. It is important to expand our understanding of the variety of issues that make up work-life considerations for workers.
  5. Families can be important sources of social support and advice (e.g., instrumental, informational, emotional) for employees’ work-life issues.

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