Certainly you have heard of MBWA (management by walking around), but MBB (management by blending) may not be as familiar to you. It is our newly coined phrase for the managerial process of creating family-friendly work environments. The trend toward placing high priority on family issues presents challenges for organizations that want to attract and retain the best people. In order to attract and retain the best people, the organization's workplace environment must be perceived as supportive of and challenging to the individual . Blending is part of the organization business strategy whereby issues related to family life are understood and employee needs are met. It is considered good business practice rather than an accommodation. Managers who recognize and acknowledge this trend must lead the paradigm shift to new ways of working by providing employees opportunities to blend rather than separate work and family life.
The list below provides a few ways to assist the blending process, but it should be approached as options open to employees to choose what works best for them.
These are just a few options that may stimulate further creative ways to approach blending.
Incorporating the above options into the organization business strategy cannot be viewed as unfair or burdensome by childless employees. Implementation requires a team approach where the team determines its own rules. Everyone must visualize the blending process as a means of minimizing stress, burnout and turnover, and maximizing productivity and efficiency, and organization success. Managers who are adept at creating this type of environment are destined for sustainable success.
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