Yet, a story that ran on NPR yesterday brings up another point: Young workers are concerned about work-life balance. The story explains that work-life balance is nothing new, but employers have historically associated the issue with working parents, not young newcomers.

You may have heard that millennials in the workplace are lazy and “entitled,” but sociologist [Phyllis] Moen says that’s a bad rap. She says young workers simply don’t want to wait decades until retirement for their quality of life — an attitude that has been reinforced by the recession, as they’ve seen parents and boomer relatives lose their jobs.

The story goes on to explain that work-life balance is not just the concern of working parents or millennials. Every age group has the desire to find personal time away from their busy professional lives. Just last week we mentioned the e-leash and how it’s restraining workers on a daily basis. As the article points out, the younger generation of workers is comfortable with gadgetry and views technology as a tool that enables them to work away from the office or on their own clock. Not everyone, including your boss, agrees, but this view is a reality of today’s workplace. In many professions, being at a cubicle is irrelevant to getting work done and workers wonder why they don’t have a little more flexibility.

Employers might think they offer an adequate amount of flexibility, while workers see it differently.

[Research] also shows that employees don’t find their workplaces nearly as flexible as managers report. Work-family experts say arrangements often appear more generous on paper than in practice and can be highly dependent on the generosity of immediate supervisors.

If work-life balance matters to you, keep the following tips in mind when looking for a job or considering a discussion with your boss:

-Can my job be performed from home?
-Would a flexible schedule (working earlier and leaving earlier or working later and leaving later) affect your job or your colleagues negatively?
-What work-life issues aren’t you willing to compromise on?
-Does your employer (or future employer) stress the importance of a work-life balance or do their values clash with your needs?
-How do you define work-life balance for yourself?

Balancing your personal and professional lives isn’t easy, and you could find yourself frustrated with your situation if you don’t understand what’s important to you. If you’re interviewing for a job or want to discuss new arrangements with your boss, walk into the meeting room knowing what you want.

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They are using their smart phones. While some people are checking out Facebook, getting directions, reading the news or just plain addicted, many are still on the clock.

While smart phones have made it easier for workers to stay connected to the office, they have also made it more difficult to disconnect during personal time.

CareerBuilder conducted a survey on this very topic and workers with smart phones said they are checking in with the office on their smart phones from virtually anywhere and everywhere, including:

• During a meal – 62%
• On vacation – 60%
• While in the bathroom – 57%
• Lying in bed at night – 50%
• At a movie, play, musical, etc… – 25%
• On a date – 18%
• Working out at the gym – 17%
• At a child’s event of function – 17%
• At church – 11%

Here are some other interesting things workers admitted to:

• 14% of workers said they feel obligated to constantly stay in touch with work because of the current tough economy
• 21% of workers say they check their mobile device every time it vibrates or beeps
• 18% report they are required by their company to be accessible beyond office hours via mobile device
• 23% of workers who are required to be accessible beyond office hours report that being too connected to their jobs via technology has caused issues or arguments with their friends and family.

“The lines between work and life can be very blurry these days — 17% of workers said they feel like their work day never ends because of technology connecting them to the office,” says Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources for CareerBuilder. “To reduce burnout and avoid potentially risky behavior, workers should allot technology-free time when away from work.”

In related news, watch the clip below of Jerry Seinfeld doing stand-up in his recent appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman. At the 2:45 mark, he starts his bit about smart phones.  Can you relate?

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Or so I thought.

Color me foolish upon reading that 70 percent of workers consider their current jobs ideal, according to a new Gallup Daily survey. Seventy. Seven. Zero. Maybe I’m naïve but that number surprised me.

Not surprising, however, is the correlation between income and viewing a job as ideal. Of workers who earn $12,000 or less, only 57 percent think they work in a job that is ideal for them. For workers earning $120,000 or more, the number jumps to 77 percent.

Workers in certain industries are also much more likely to consider their jobs ideal than others. For example, business owners, farmers and professionals (think of doctors, lawyers, teachers and the like) think they’re in an ideal position with 87, 82 and 79 percent respectively. This shouldn’t be surprising, I suppose. If you’re a business owner, you actively began your own venture, so chances are the job is the direct result of your efforts. Professionals often go to school and train for several years, so they’ve been preparing for this position. However, service, clerical and manufacturing workers had the lowest views of being in ideal workplaces, as they all hovered near 60 percent.

Age factors into the equation of ideals, too. If you’re 18-29 years old, only 52 percent of you think your current job is deal. But if you’re 50-65 years old, then 78 percent of you are in an ideal job. Again, not surprising. At the start of your career, you’re trying to accrue experience and probably don’t have the professional capital to land the job of your dreams. By the time you’re nearing retirement, hopefully you’ve been able to work toward the job you’ve always wanted or that best suits you.

I recommend reading all the survey results because there are a lot of ways to slice the data and see different patterns. It’s also interesting to think that, even now, when employees are struggling to get their work done because they’re doing the jobs of several people in this economy, more than half of all demographics view their jobs as ideal. Overall, people with jobs are doing what they think is right for them.

So how about you—what’s the ideal job for you? Are you in one? Did you previously have one? If you’re looking for one, what are the qualifications necessary to make it ideal? Let us know!

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But when it comes to finding love, it’s not just reserved for primetime. Regardless of the economy, one thing remains the same: The workplace fuels romance.

“Employees are working longer hours and under increased pressure, creating an environment that could cause relationships to bloom,” says Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources at CareerBuilder.

CareerBuilder’s annual office romance survey of more than 5,200 workers found that nearly four-in-ten (37 percent) workers said they have dated a co-worker at some time during their careers. That’s in line with the 40 percent who said the same in both 2009 and 2008. Almost one-third said they went on to marry the person they dated at work.

And what about the office crush? While eight percent of workers currently work with someone who they would like to date, with more men (11 percent) than women (4 percent) reporting they would like to do so.

Twelve percent of workers reported that their relationships started when they ran into each other outside of work. Some other situations where Cupid’s arrow flew between co-workers:

• Happy hour
• Lunch
• Working late at the office
• Company holiday party
• Business trip

The question remains: Once the relationship is established, should workers keep it a secret?

“Workplace relationships are more accepted these days, with 67 percent of workers saying they aren’t keeping their romance a secret. However, it is the responsibility of the individuals to understand company policy and make sure they adhere to it,” said Haefner.

The survey also showed the repercussions of workplace romance, with 5 percent of workers saying they have left a job due to an office romance. To be on the safe side, Haefner offers these tips if you want to spark a workplace romance:

• Know your company’s office relationship policy: While some companies are completely open to office romances, others may have stricter policies. Make sure both parties in the relationship are aware of potential rules or consequences.
• Beware of social media: Before you start posting pictures and status updates about your newfound coupledom, it may be better to inform your co-workers or boss in person. That way, there is less chance for gossip or speculation.
• Always take the high road: If your relationship should end, do your best to maintain professionalism and not let the issues affect your performance on the job.

So tell us your office romance story. Was it a success or did it fizzle?

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The current economy has kept many employees stationed for the past couple of years, not because they love what they do — but because they are too scared to pursue other opportunities. But, according to a recent Gallup Poll, 71 percent of employees feel disengaged from their jobs. So what should you do? Continue to stay in a job where you are unhappy? Or start looking for somewhere where you’ll be happier?

People quit their jobs for many reasons. Maybe you don’t like your co-workers or your boss drives you crazy. Maybe there’s nowhere for you to move up in the company. Maybe you’re overworked and underpaid. Maybe you’re all of the above.

While the choice to move on to greener pastures is up to you, here are 10 signs that should tell you if it’s time to start thinking about moving on:

1. Your co-workers drive you crazy.
Co-workers can be a curse or a blessing in the workplace. When you work with people you love, it’s one thing. But how are you supposed to get any work done when your colleagues are irritating you, offending you, distracting you, coming in late, leaving early, talking loudly on the phone, procrastinating or coming to your desk to gossip? If you find that you want to tear your hair out at the end of each day because of your colleagues, it might be time to look for more tolerable people.

2. You hate going to work.
When Sunday night rolls around, are you dreading going into the office the next morning? As soon as you arrive on Monday morning, are you already thinking about Friday at 5 p.m.? I think all of us have had to go to job that we hate at least once, and if you haven’t — you’re the exception, not the rule (not to mention extremely lucky). When you’re spending 40+ hours at work, the last thing you want is to hate every second you’re there. If you do, it might be time to start thinking about your next career move.

3. You’re bored.
Most people like to feel challenged at work. If your work has started to seem too easy or repetitive, it’s a sign that you need more responsibility or extra a change in roles. But, don’t confuse boredom with slacking off. There’s a vast difference between watching YouTube videos all day long with work piling up next to you and watching YouTube videos all day long because you’ve completed all there is to do.

4. The company — or your job — is in trouble.
It’s no secret that many companies are still struggling as a result of the economy. There continue to be layoffs and budget cuts. While we don’t suggest quitting your job in a panic without having some sort of plan as to what your next step is, we do think you should pay attention to what’s going on at your company. If you’re concerned about the state of your job or the company, approach your manager with any concerns before taking other actions.

5. You don’t feel at home.
Sometimes we forget how important it is to feel comfortable at work — that is, until we don’t. If competition seems far from friendly, your colleagues steal your ideas, your ethics or values conflict with the company, or even if your casual style clashes with the buttoned-up policies of management, you might try to find a company where you feel more at home.

6. You can’t stand your boss.
Just because someone is a manager or boss doesn’t give him free reign to be a jerk. Whether you realize it or not, your relationship with your boss has a huge impact on your overall professional happiness and success. After all, even the best job can be terrible if your boss is lousy. If you don’t see eye-to-eye or your manager is untrustworthy or unwilling to help you succeed, it might be time to look for a new job — with a new supervisor.

7. Your career is at a standstill.
Maybe you’ve been doing the same job for several years and you’re ready for more responsibility. Maybe you’ve lost your passion for what you used to love. Maybe you work at a company where there’s no other role for you than the one you’re currently in. Start by talking to your boss about taking on more work, or trying different tasks. Express to him or her that you want to continue to develop your skills and reach your goals. If no alternatives are available, it might be time to start looking around.

8. You’re not valued.
Recognition is important — you need to feel as though you’re making a contribution and like other people will give you credit for your successes. Is your company doing anything to reward your efforts? Do you get bonuses, perks or positive feedback? If your boss has never heard of positive reinforcement, it might be time to find company that will value your talent.

9. Your work environment sucks.
State of the economy aside, every job and every company experiences highs and lows. It doesn’t take a psychiatrist to know that working in place with negative energy or low morale is draining on even the happiest soul. If you find that you’re always feeling stressed out, depressed or having a negative attitude, it might be time to explore more positive options.

10. You’re exhausted.
Everyone says they’re stressed. But some people are really stressed. Too many projects and not enough help equal a heavy workload and job burnout. We don’t advise quitting when the going gets tough once in a while — let’s be honest, everyone has to take one for the team at some point. But, if there’s no end or reprieve in sight, do yourself (and your sanity) a favor and see what else is out there.

Bing: Signs you’re about to be fired
Bing: Exit interview tips

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We can safely say that 2009 was a year where the economy struggled, and we still have some work to do in 2010. However, this year 20 percent of employers plan to add new employees in 2010–in 2009 only 14 percent said so. Employers are certainly taking a wait-and-see approach to hiring, so expect them to remain cautious, but at least their outlook is definitely better than last year. Although 9 percent of employers expect to decrease headcount in 2010, that’s a significant increase compared to the 16 percent from last year.

If you’re wondering where the jobs are, look to the West, where 24 percent of employers intend to add full-time workers. Employers in the Northeast anticipate the next highest amount of hiring, followed by the South and Midwest.

The industries where you can expect to see the largest hiring increases are information technology, manufacturing, financial services, professional and business services, and sales.

Perhaps the one topic you care most about is pay. Specifically, should you expect a raise in 2010 or a high starting salary? Fifty-seven percent of employers report their companies will increase salaries for existing employees in 2010, down from 65 percent in 2009. Thirty-six percent expect to raise salaries of existing employees by 3 percent or more, while 11 percent anticipate increases of 5 percent or more.

Twenty-nine of employers plan to increase salaries on initial offers to new employees, down from 33 percent in 2009. Nearly one-in-five (18 percent) employers will raise salaries on initial offers by 3 percent or more while 7 percent anticipate increases of 5 percent or more.

What else should you expect in 2010? Employers intend to replace their lowest performing workers. They also intend to implement flexible work arrangements that help employees maintain a good work-life balance and consequently keep them happy. And in an effort to retain top talent, many organizations will ask some employees to postpone retirement or they will rehire some retirees.

To read more about what employers are planning, read the highlights here or the full forecast here.

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• People forget that one of the worst parts of a job loss is the loss of social interaction.
  Layoffs test true friendships
• Another interesting look at the personal side of losing a job (and its salary).
  Some Tips for Noncustodial Parents After Job Loss
• You’re super awesome–so make sure the interviewer knows it, too!
  Acing the Job Interview Process
• Even lawyers get the blues.
  Laid-Off Lawyers Struggle in Establishing Their Own Firm

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• A little tough love comin’ atcha.
  Didn’t get the job? Post-analysis is up to you.
• We’re always looking for a silver lining.
  Laid-off workers seize fresh start
• Dress codes really do cause more confusion and anxiety than most any other issue, I think.
  Bare legs or pantyhose at job Interviews?
• Of course, to get a silver lining,  you can’t avoid the rain cloud completely.
  Americans working much harder – for less pay

‘Til Wednesday!

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Plus, you’ve got the stock market to watch, a missing South Carolina governor, Jon and Kate filing for divorce (which isn’t on the same level as the other, more serious news but it’s all over the media). And that’s just the above-the-fold stories.

In case you didn’t get to delve down further into other stories, here are the articles we think are worth reading:

• Here at The Work Buzz, we’re not fans of people who incessantly check their BlackBerrys and iPhones during conversations. Some employers are OK with it; others are not. Know your audience.
  Mind Your BlackBerry or Mind Your Manners
• When some people get laid off, they get depressed. This couple goes to ballgames!
  Job search turns into tour of ballparks
• The Washington Post has a grim or realistic look at economic recovery, depending on how you feel about the situation.
  Recovery’s Missing Ingredient: New Jobs
• What hours do you work? If you’re honest with yourself, it might be a lot longer than you think.
  Your never-ending workday

See you Tuesday!

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Yesterday’s TheWorkBuzz post discussed this topic regarding romantic relationships. With Father’s Day this Sunday, let’s look at how parents views are changing in this difficult economy.

Many working parents have to contend with heavier workloads and longer hours as businesses struggle to do more with less, thus forcing a choice between work and family. Usually, the choice has to do with the well-being of the family. These days, putting food on the table seems to be more important than a healthy work/life balance.

 A new CareerBuilder survey found that 31% of working dads said they would leave their jobs if their spouse or significant other’s income could comfortably support the entire family, but that’s down from 37% in 2008 and an 18% drop from 2005 when 49% said they would.  Despite a tough economy, however, 30% of working fathers said they would take a pay cut to spend more time with their children, but that is also down from 2008 at 37%. 

Good Morning America’s series “The New Normal” looks at how Americans are adapting  to the changing economy. On Tuesday’s edition, it addressed the growing trend of mothers who are choosing to give up maternity leave for fear that the work might not be there when it’s time to return.

Readers, weigh in. Have you faced a decision like this?

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