Frequently Asked Questions

This page offers answers to common questions asked by individuals, managers and organizations on work-life balance.

For Individuals
	What is work-life balance?
	How do you know when you've got it?
	How do you know when you don't?
	What's the difference between work-family and work-life?
	How do I work to achieve balance for myself?
	Where do you begin?
	How do you ask an employer for support?
	If I want a flexible work arrangement, how do I initiate that discussion with my manager?
	How can I take advantage of flexibility without my career suffering?
	What are the consequences of living in imbalance?

For Managers
	As a manager, I already have too many priorities to manage. Why should I take this on?
	As a manager, how do I support work-life balance with my limited time?
	How can I make change in my department if I'm on a strict budget and have no resources to devote to this?
	I want to implement flexibility, but the senior management is not on board. What do I do?
	I'm not against workplace flexibility, and we have the policies. Why do none of my staff ask for them?
	If I only do one thing as a manager to support balance, what's the most important thing for me to do?
	What are the consequences of managers lacking attention to this issue?

For Organizations
	How can our organization do this when we are expected to operate in a 24-7 environment?
	Our organization works in manufacturing/retail/direct service delivery. How can organizations support balance when the work we do is inflexible?
	If our organization begins supports work-life balance, how can we be sure that not everyone will want a flexible arrangement?
	How should an organization start to support work-life balance?
	What can organizations do with employees that say, "It's not fair. I don't have kids. This just benefits some people"?
	Some departments or units in our organisation are implementing flexibility more successfully than others. How can organizations ensure policies are being applied fairly and equally throughout the organization?
	How are demographic changes in Canada are going to affect how organisations need to handle work-life?