If you work in a large company, or even a small one, you’re likely feeling the change in power balance at work.
History suggests that when our economy slumps, employers gain an edge in setting the rules of work, thanks to the basic economics of supply and demand.
“In good times, employers may be willing to put up with things,” said Heather Boushey, a senior economist at the Center for American Progress. “These are bad times. There are 10 people who can take the job you have if you have any sort of extenuating circumstances.”
[From Working Dad: Work-life balance is suffering from economic stress]
When things are good, and managers are afraid of losing good and even mediocre players, parents have more freedom to be there for their kids. The corporation and the bottom line doesn’t really care though if your child has a runny nose or if you need to bond with your baby. In down times, without stating as much, it will demand more of each employee, only noting when you aren’t there, or don’t produce.
Count this as another effect of the growing recession. Moms and dads will have to work even harder to be there for the family, making sacrifices even if both have good jobs and want to keep them until we’re out of this thing, whenever that is.