In The Work-Family Challenge contributors from the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States explore the possibilities of challenging traditional employment structures to take account of contemporary work and family realities. They take a critical look at the notion of `family-friendly' employment, and explore ways in which the rapidly changing needs of both organizations and the workforce can be met.

The volume argues that real progress requires moving the focus from specific policies and practices towards more systemic organizational change. It examines the contexts and opportunities - global, international, national, sociopolitical, legal and economic - for this change. The book concludes that positive solutions are attainable but will require a rethinking of employment, with constructive partnerships at many different levels, and with work and family as a core strategic business issue.

• Cover 2
• Table of Contents 9
• Contributors 11
• Foreword 15
• Part 1: The Context for Change 17
• 1 - Rethinking Employment: An Organizational Culture Change Framework 17
• 2 - Reconciling Employment and Family Responsibilities: A European Perspective 36
• 3 - Work-Family Reconciliation and the Law: Intrusion or Empowerment? 50
• Part 2: Policy and Practice 64
• 4 - The Family-Friendly Employer in Europe 64
• 5 - The Restructuring of Work and Family in the United States: A New Challenge for American Corporations 79
• 6 - Formal and Informal Flexibility in the Workplace 95
• 7 - Corporate Relocation Policies 109
• 8 - Developing and Implementing Policies: Midland Bank's Experience 119
• Part 3: Barriers to the Effectiveness of Current Policies and Strategies 128