Question

how is the work-family conflict faced by professional and managerial workers different from the work-family conflict faced by the “missing middle” and low-wage workers? Whychasn’t more been done politically to ease work-family conflict?

Answer 1

Low wage workers have little control over their office hours and work schedules as they are quite often asked and expected to work nights, weekends and evenings. The have to suffer a lot health wise as well as their relationships with their partners/ spouses. While low wage earners are lure by the flexible work schedule, in reality there is actually no flexibility for employees rather it is the management that becomes more powerful by determining the best work hours for such employees. We have seen that mandatory extended hours or work hours are also quite common amongst employees at a very low income group. Many wage earners in services like the food and retail services have highly unpredictable work schedules which makes it difficult for them to establish a routine that is stable for their families and friends.

High wage earners and professionals in high status jobs, on the other hand, usually have a more predictable, secure and steady work hours extending a lot more flexibility and better accessibility to policies that are highly supportive and beneficial. Employees in professional jobs o those in managerial profile have more workers in their jobs.

Furthermore, most of these professionals have to travel hard – sometimes for overnight business trips and are contactable even after office hours. However, frequent disruptions sometimes make it difficult for those in highly skilled job profiles.

It’s not that the political parties and governments haven’t been trying to ensure peace of mind for the high grade and low grade professionals, the challenge is to effectivelyly implement the plan as soon as possible.