We've gained a much greater understanding in recent years of how work spills over into the home and vice versa. Interest in work-life balance has expanded as both work and family pressures increase.

The role of work has changed throughout the world due to economic conditions and social demands. Originally, work was a matter of necessity or survival. It has now evolved and the composition of the workforce has changed. Now work is also a source of personal satisfaction.

Work life balance has a two prong approach.  One prong is what the employer does for the employee in the form of flexible work arrangements and benefits The other prong is what the employee does for himself/herself, and this is often overlooked.

Is there such a thing as work-life balance? Balance implies a scale where if one side is up then the other must be down. It is an either-or concept. Yet, most studies of working people show their management of work and life is not a sum-zero game. There is lots of evidence to show that people can have high demand jobs and high quality home lives at the same time.

A number of training, development and research companies, including the Work-Life Institute and Success IQ University, have concluded that if people are to become both successful and happy, they need to focus on what's most important to them (values), a clear understanding of their purpose in life and a focus on developing their inner self rather than a focus on the material external sefl

Initially viewed as a workplace social responsibility, work life programs are being viewed now as a strategy for competitive advantage--by attracting the best talent who become the most productive.

So what can be a guide for both employee and employers about the issue of work-life balance? First, work life balance does not mean equal balance. You can only balance the present moment, the present day; individual work life balance will vary over a lifetime. Second, there is no perfect one-size-fits-all balance program. To be effective, work life balance must address the issues of both achievement and enjoyment. And finally, the four quadrants of work life balance must be included--work, family, friends sand self.

As a footnote to the work life balance issue, probably the single most important force that will impact the workforce in the coming years is the retirement of the large numbers of baby boomers, with their numbers exceeding the number of younger people in the workforce. That, combined with the growing number of elderly people that must be cared for by middle class families, will put enormous pressure on the issue of work life balance.

Ray Williams is Co-Founder of Success IQ University and President of Ray Williams Associates, companies located in Phoenix and Vancouver, providing leadership development, personal growth and executive coaching services. www.successiqu.com