[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 153 (Wednesday, October 30, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1617]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING NATIONAL WORK AND FAMILY MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 30, 2013

  Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of 
National Work and Family Month.
  As a mother of three school-aged children, I know how difficult it is 
to juggle a demanding career while caring for a family. Despite our 
best attempts, our schedules are never entirely predictable--fevers, 
flight delays, and life's unexpected surprises have a way of throwing 
off the schedules we planned so meticulously. As we try to navigate 
life's twists and turns, a big part of our success hinges on the 
flexibility in our work environments.
  Advances in technology are making greater workplace flexibility 
possible, but there is still a lot more we can do to make a healthy 
work-life balance become the norm rather than the exception.
  The importance of employers promoting policies that support their 
employees' success within and outside the workplace must not be 
underestimated. Study after study shows that employers who offer 
effective work-life balance programs are able to attract and retain 
more talented employees and also maintain a healthier and happier 
workforce. Workers who have more input and flexibility with their 
schedules, such as accommodating work hours and paid sick leave, are 
able to care for their dependents without worrying about their job 
security--whether that means caring for a sick child home from school 
with the flu, a husband or wife recovering from a surgery, or an 
elderly parent who needs help getting to the doctor. Workers who can 
successfully manage their personal lives are less stressed, which 
results in a more productive workforce and lower costs associated with 
employee turnover.
  More and more children are now growing up in a household with two 
full-time working parents, or are being raised by a single parent who 
works. For the sake of healthy children and families, employers must 
update their practices to reflect 21st century realities.
  Investing in the health and wellbeing of our nation's workforce is 
not just smart for business; it's smart for our nation's long-term 
success. As research shows, increased parental involvement is 
associated with greater academic achievement and lower dropout rates 
for children, some of whom will become our nation's next generation of 
leaders.
  So as we recognize National Work and Family Month, I encourage my 
fellow policy makers, employers, and employees to come together to 
create workplaces that are more flexible and supportive of our nation's 
hard working families.

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