Mary Secret

Undergraduate Research Courses: A Closer Look Reveals Complex Social Work Student Attitudes.

This study of 285 BSW students over a 4-year period examines the students initial attitudes toward learning research and identifies associated characteristics. In contrast to social work students reputation of being “research reluctant,” findings reveal considerable variation, with a large portion of students reporting overall positive attitudes. Ordinary least squares regressions revealed that women and students with less statistical knowledge are more fearful of research courses, while older students and those with greater levels of social work empowerment find research courses to be more appealing. The study findings suggest 3 pedagogical principles upon which various teaching strategies may be based.

The effects of family-friendly workplace environments on work-family stress of employed parents

Abstract This study utilized the spillover conceptual framework to examine the effects of structural (formal policies) and dynamic (informal supervisory support) aspects of the workplace on the financial stress, time-based problems, and role-strain of employed parents. Data was obtained by telephone interview from an availability sample of 374 employed parents in several different workplaces. Logistic regression analyses provided partial support for the hypotheses that each of four groups of different family-friendly policies would effect specific work-family outcomes. One structural component, leave time allowance policy, helped ease the time-based problems of employed parents. The other structural components such as child care assistance, alternative work arrangements or stress management programs did not effect the work-family stress variables. Several dynamic components of the work environment, particularly informal supervisory support, were associated with all three measures of work-family stress. This comprehensive model suggests that workplace support for working parents must extend beyond formal policies and practices to move workers and their families forward as the primary beneficiaries of family-friendly workplaces.

Maternal Labor Force Participation and Child Well-Being in Public Assistance Families

This study investigated the relationship between maternal labor force participation and the general health and school performance of school-age children in public assistance families. Data were obtained from face-to-face interviews with 97 mothers drawn froma random sample of public assistance recipients in one community. Using a measure of maternal labor force participation over the course of several years, logistic regression analysis revealed positive, but complex, relationships. Children whose mothers had recent, current, or long-term employment were in better health than children whose mothers had been unemployed for more than 2 years. Children’s school performancewas positively associated with either long-term unemployment or long-term employment, suggesting that the stability of maternal labor force participation, rather than work status per se, was an important factor. The study maintains a needed focus on child outcomes and provides an important conceptualization of maternal labor force participation for use in future welfare reform studies.

Parenting in the Workplace Examining a Unique Infant Care Option

This article describes a unique, employer-based infant care program that allows parents to care for their babies in the workplace and reports on the response of the coworker employees to this arrangement. Of 35 permanent employees in a university-based research organization, 86% completed a self-report questionnaire. Results indicated that parenting babies in the workplace, in this setting, has little, if any, perceived negative effect on the work life of other employees. Additionally, these employees expressed overall positive attitudes about the program. Results did not vary by gender, education, marital status, income, job position or responsibilities, dependent care responsibilities, amount of contact with babies, or retention intention. Minority employees reported more positive effects. Implications of the findings for employers, workplace factors to consider for a viable infant care program, directions for future investigations, and new assumptions about work and family life are discussed.

Parenting in the Workplace Child Care Options for Consideration

This study introduces parenting in the workplace (PIW) child care options and considers such arrangements within the context of changing work and family life relationships and boundaries. In the study, representatives from 55 businesses of various sizes and industries reported positive workplace experiences with employees who brought children to work and personally cared for them at their work sites while performing routine job duties. A lack of child care resources is the major reason for the practice. Compared with 67 businesses who do not offer PIW, the PIW business representatives reported no disadvantage in business outcomes, more regard for workplace innovation and collegial relationships, and more positive attitudes toward work-family integration. The study helps employers and employees assess the potential of PIW as viable child care arrangements within their workplaces. Furthermore, findings support a recommendation that PIW arrangements should be included in the current menu of child care options and research topics.

Occupational Status Differences Among Three Groups of Married Mothers

This article reports on a study of differences in the psychological and social well-being, spousal support, and job satisfaction of three groups of married mothers: those who were employed full-time in professional- managerial occupations, those who were employed full-time in work ing-class/blue-collar occupations, and those who were not employed. The results suggest the need to address differences in occupational status in future studies and to ensure that the needs of working class/blue-collar mothers receive particular consideration in policies and programs.

A Community-Based Study of Family-Friendly Workplaces

ABSTRACT This applied research study is part of a collaborative effort by local government representatives, business leaders, and social work researchers to investigate workplace support for family needs. It is one of the first to report findings about family-friendly workplace policies and practices across different size and sector work organizations in one community. The prevalence and distribution of these policies and practices are investigated because they can enhance the quality of life for individuals and families and thus should be accessible to all members of the workforce. Findings from a sample of 88 small, medium and large work organizations within the private and public sectors reveal that many employers offer flexible work arrangements while few provide child care services; large organizations as well as organizations in the public or nonprofit sectors provide more work-family stress management benefits than smaller organizations or those in the for-profit sector; large organizations also provide more leave time and more dependent care services. Comparability with other studies, future research needs, and implications for community practice are discussed.

Blending Work and Family: A Case Study

This article describes an employer-based infant-care program that is a unique response to the needs of working parents. This parentingatwork option allows mothers to blend the often-competing demands of work and family and provides high-quality child care to their infants in the workplace. The article also examines the impact of this program on the mothers, the infants, and the workplace.