Contact person: Jan Thompson Leader, Work/Life/Health Issues 614/688-5784 (daytime) 614/292-0058 (fax) thompson.16@osu.edu Presenters: Ann Clutter, Ph.D. Linda Kutilek, M.S. Vandalia, Ohio Columbus, Ohio Nikki Conklin, Ph.D. Marilyn Spiegel, Ph.D. Columbus, Ohio Columbus, Ohio Gail Gunderson, Ph.D. Jan Thompson, M.S. Columbus, Ohio Columbus, Ohio Jo Jones, Ph.D. Columbus, Ohio
Conference Objective:
Acquire more effective skills to maintain an appropriate balance between work and other aspects of life.
Abstract:
The demands of work and family roles are becoming increasingly complex for employees of the State Extension Systems at Land Grant and 1890 Institutions throughout the nation. The combination of a fluctuating work environment with competing job and family commitments can negatively affect employees (i.e. lowered morale, diminished motivation, reduced productivity, and increased burnout and turnover). With grant monies awarded by the Joint Council of Extension Professionals (JCEP), a work/life research team at Ohio State University Extension conducted a nationwide survey. The main purpose of the study was to examine the responsiveness of the individual's Extension organization in addressing work/personal/family needs. Data were collected from two main sources: a) Extension employees and b) individuals having a close association with the Extension employee. A stratified random sample of 777 Extension employees from 15 institutions (four regions) across the country were drawn. Each Extension employee in the sample was asked to select a close family or friend to participate in the study. The Extension employees' sample consisted of administrators, program professionals and support staff.
Both quantitative and qualitative evaluation approaches were included in the research instruments. A series of Likert-type statements was used to determine issues and concerns related to balancing work and family responsibilities. In addition, participants identified personnel policies (i.e. benefits and services) used by their organizations to respond to employee work/family/personal life issues. The study also examined the impact of the employee's family life on work performance and how Extension's demands influence the employee's personal life and relationships.
New technology was incorporated into the implementation of the research study. A wireless, interactive, computerized data-gathering tool was used with Ohio Extension employees to develop and refine the Extension employee survey instrument. Findings of the study were shared nationally via satellite conference in May/1998. In addition, findings have been shared on a world-wide web site.
While significant attention has been committed to the study of work/life issues in the private sector, little emphasis has been given to the study of Extension System employee's concerns. The need to identify relevant life balance issues of Extension employees and their families is critical to the future well-being and effectiveness of the Extension System.