Congressional Briefing

On Wednesday, May 20, 2009, Workplace Flexibility co-hosted a briefing with the New America Foundation and the American Psychological Association on the relationship between workplace flexibility and mental health. Research demonstrates that employees with workplace flexibility report less stress, better health, and savings for their employers. By showing the benefits of workplace flexibility, we can hasten the change to a new workplace model, one that works for employers, employees and communities. At this hearing, we heard from experts on the interaction between work-life conflict and mental health and the impact of work-life balance on the health of workers and their families, employers and communities.

Introductory remarks were given by Dr. Gwendolyn Keita of American Psychological Association and Workplace Flexibility 2010 Co-Director Katie Corrigan moderated the panel:

  • Diane Halpern, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology, Director, Berger Institute for Work, Family, and Children, & Chair, Department of Psychology, Claremont McKenna College
  • Joseph Grzywacz, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Family & Community Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine
  • David Gray, Director, Workforce and Family Program, New America Foundation
  • Shanny Peer, Ph.D., Senior Associate, Families and Work Institute
  • Donald W. Kemper, MPH, Founder and CEO, Healthwise
Materials:

Presentation by Joseph Grzywacz, Joseph G. Grzywacz PhD

Presentation by Diane Halpern, Diane F. Halpern PhD

Wellness Profiles (Families and Work Institute), Workplace Flexibility 2010, Georgetown University Law Center

Snapshot of FWI Research on U.S. Employees and Work-Life Fit (Families and Work Institute), Workplace Flexibility 2010, Georgetown University Law Center

Highlights from Families and Work Institute's 2008 National Study of Employers (Families and Work Institute), Workplace Flexibility 2010, Georgetown University Law Center

Video of Supporting a Healthier American Workplace, Workplace Flexibility 2010, Georgetown University Law Center