Letter from the Chairman
Dear Friends:

When it comes to balancing our daily roles and responsibilities, the vast majority of us are struggling. In fact, according to a poll that we conducted recently on our private web site, 65 percent of us are having a very or extremely difficult time balancing our work and day-to-day responsibilities! Thirty percent said they find balancing their roles and responsibilities “somewhat difficult,” while just five percent said it's “not difficult at all.”

These findings are sobering but there's a positive aspect to them, as well. Employers, health plan providers, insurance programs and other membership-based organizations have a unique chance to help their constituencies better manage their lives, reduce stress and live more productively. A comprehensive work/life program will deliver all of these results cost-effectively. Of course, you'd expect me to say that, right? After all, I'm the chairman of a company that provides work/life programs. Fair enough. Then allow me to play devil's advocate and pose the question that cuts right to the heart of the matter.

Is work/life balance really possible?

The answer depends on what you mean by “balance.” If you mean perfect balance (in which you're able to devote equal time and energy to your work and personal lives and you're able to meet all of your commitments with complete success), the answer is “no.” Perfect balance is impossible. A recent article in a well-known magazine even went so far as to call work/life balance “an unattainable pipe dream.” But let's get realistic. Few if any of us are seriously expecting to achieve perfect balance. What we're striving for is the ability to set priorities, fulfill our major responsibilities and be happy and productive in our personal and professional lives. That's attainable balance.

At times, we'll feel that we're giving our career 75 percent of our energy and focus, while our family only gets 25 percent. Or vice versa. But that's okay because, eventually, the pendulum will swing the other way. Realistic work/life balance is about doing your best to achieve harmony over time. It requires that we continually re-evaluate our situation, shift our attention, re-order priorities. It even requires that we learn to accept our limitations. That's the only way to successfully juggle the many roles we all play.

Work/life balance is not an impossible pipe dream of perfect equilibrium. It's about dealing with the demands of our lives as best we can. It's about not being constantly overwhelmed by our responsibilities. Work/life balance is possible, especially for those of us fortunate enough to have access to high quality work/life programs like LifeCare.

As always, we'd appreciate knowing how we can better serve you. So e-mail us at connection@lifecare.com, fax us at 203-291-3571, or call us at 800-873-4636 if you'd like to share ideas and offer feedback.

Sincerely,

John B. Place, Chairman