ajcjobs > BlogBreak > Archives > 2006 > November > 13 > Entry
Flexiblity for women only?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I opened up my Sunday paper yesterday and was glad to see the ajcjobs main story was about ‘Building a Case for Flexiblity’. However there is a major question that begs to be asked. What about the men?
It was a user comment written back in September that forced me to examine this question more closely. In response to my entry on women’s inequity in salaries, a reader named Nelson referred me to the work of Warren Farrell who has written extensively on men’s roles in the workplace.
I was able to hear Farrell present a workshop earlier this month. After years of advocating for women in the workplace, I found myself gaining a different understanding of the situation. He outlined the constraints on men. He spoke eloquently about the pressures that men feel in providing for families and in balancing their lives. Take a peek at his website: www.warrenfarrell.com.
Farrell says we need to look at these issues as they effect BOTH sexes. If only one sex only wins, we both lose. Power, he says, is about having control over your life. And isn’t that just as important for men? Organizations, in looking at reshaping how the work gets done should accommodate the lives of all of us.
So great work, Good Morning America for focusing on this issue. However, let’s see some examples of new work opportunities for both sexes!
Have you men been proposing flexible work options to your employers? What kind of reaction have you had? Any women read Farrell’s work? If so, what do you think?
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Becca
November 14, 2006 1:29 PM | Link to this
Well, men actually LOVE to work, I don’t know why. I think the dads out there might be interested in flex time. I know I am. I loathe working because it takes up all my time and all my money and there nothing left to give at the end of the day. I’d love flexibility. I am getting grief for having to take my daughter to the dentist and I am only coming in like 45 minutes late. I already work 50 hours a week.
By SaywhatBecca?
November 14, 2006 3:39 PM | Link to this
Men don’t love to work anymore than women love to watch soap operas. Well, maybe a little truth in both, but I know most men I know would quit if someone handed them millions of dollars. Or they’d at least work on their own terms…unfortunately, the vast majority of men just don’t ever have the option of not working unless they want to be considered a total loser bum by society and especially women. I’d have no problem staying home with the kids—of course, I don’t have any, so maybe I’d feel different then, I guess!
By Leigh Mazzagetti
November 15, 2006 9:45 AM | Link to this
In response to Jennifer’s comments: Yes, all Good Morning America viewers know we focus on both men and women, but this particular AJC piece focused on women. But just because one piece focuses on women doesn’t mean there’s an intent to exclude men—nor should someone jump to that conclusion!
Leigh Mazzagetti Marketing Coordinator Women For Hire
By jennifer
November 15, 2006 1:23 PM | Link to this
Leigh - Thanks for clarifying. The AJC article was focused primarily on women. I am glad that the show will be addressing the needs of both genders.
By lwa
November 17, 2006 11:25 AM | Link to this
i believe that some men would like flexibility. however, let’s not forget who wrote the rules for working and who formed the initial office culture..men. I believe that if men weren’t against women in the work place in the beginning and was open to that one ideal.. then there would be more flexibility regarding everything associated with work.