They have a boring job therefore they feel they are not achieving anything. They have no leader to follow. They feel unappreciated. They work long hours and want a life. They are not paid what they are worth. The above reasons are not taken from any figures or facts stated in publications and general media. This is what people themselves tell me. They are words from coal face, real people…managers, personal assistants, administrative staff, sales people; regular run-of-the mill people.

It doesn't take much to retain valuable people and one of easiest ways is to offer flexibility.

Where is Family Friendly Workplace?

One of my clients - John - who is a manager in a large organisation - was telling me that his wife Mary, an accountant recently changed jobs, from working part-time in a suburban practice to full-time in city. She did this as a career move as she couldn't find stimulating work part-time in suburbia. (I'm sure many women can relate to that).

Having two children - 7 and 4, she leaves for work when they're still asleep in morning and arrives home around 6.30 p.m. at night.

Luckily her husband works locally and can handle morning care and has his in-laws do afternoon care. His wife is already feeling stressed, tired and guilty because she cannot be around for her kids.

How easy would it be for an employer to offer more flexibility say 3 days a week start at 10.00 a.m., 3 afternoons finish at 4.00 p.m. Mary wouldn't mind a cut in her pay packet - she just wants to balance her life.

At this rate, Mary will not remain too long with her current employer as she will find long hours will take their toll. It's even harder for single parents. Not to mention long-term effect it has on person and their kids. A grumpy, tired and stressed person doesn't make for a good productive employee or parent.

Think Laterally

Why isn't there more flexibility in workplace? Just because people 'start' at 9.00 a.m. and 'finish' at 5.00 p.m. (I know some of you work longer hours), doesn't mean people actually 'work'.

Debbie's Story Debbie was Director of her own computer company, employing four staff.

Debbie had a hectic lifestyle. She worked long hours, had three children and a husband to organise and on top of that was in middle of a major renovation of her own home. To make matters even worse, she was also studying for a Bachelor of Computer Science!

No wonder she was stressed out!

Here was a situation where she had overburdened herself unnecessarily. She had far too much going on in her life and something was about snap!

Debbie was unable to sleep properly with all worry and strain of juggling everything and had neglected her own self in process.

Debbie looked tired and haggard when I first met her. She was 15 kg overweight and looked at least 10 years older than she really was. She had lost touch with what was really important to her. Debbie was trying to be superwoman!

She had taken on far too much and was forced to review her lifestyle (or lack of it) or she would either have a nervous breakdown or die in process.

The Solutions In working with my clients I always get them to write down all activities and responsibilities they are currently involved in, both at work and home.

By writing them down you can clearly see what is really important and what isn't. You can also see where you fill up your day with unnecessary activity.