Integrating Work and Life

The Wharton Resource Guide

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Over 20 years ago, Stew Friedman, Jessica DeGroot, and Perry Christensen organized a series of conferences that brought together many of the seminal thought leaders in the emerging field of work and life. Their goals were to identify what it takes to successfully integrate work and rest of life and to gather teaching and training materials to help people learn those principles and skills.

One output of this initiative, which included original field research undertaken by conference participants, was the compilation of the first collection of teaching materials on integrating work and the rest of life.  Integrating Work and Life: The Wharton Resource Guide. Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer, 1998) includes educational resources to:

  • Enhance workplace satisfaction
  • Improve productivity
  • Boost commitment
  • Aid recruitment efforts
  • Reduce absenteeism and turnover

The hands-on articles included in this historic volume, still relevant despite intense changes in the world, help employees and employers learn to:

  • Clarify life priorities and examine choices
  • Communicate clear vision, goals, and performance expectations
  • Act in a way that is consistent with their values
  • Create trust, goodwill, and common ground
  • Value what employees bring to the business from their multiple life roles
  • Question assumptions and encourage creative experimentation in the way work is done