INTRODUCTION

Managing diversity is understanding and appreciating employee differences to build a more effective and profitable organization. single parents and working women is a important component of managing diverse workforce in todays world

Account for 45% of workforce. Hold half of all management, professional, and related occupations. Over 9 million women-owned businesses Increasing number of non-traditional households Organizations must address work/family issues.

Number is growing Many marriages end in divorce Widows and widowers who have children. Need alternative child-care arrangements 72% of mothers with children under 18 are in workforce.

Changing workforce and growing corporate interest. corporations are creating work environments that make it possible for employees to be both good workers and good caregivers It helps with recruitment and retention of employees by creating an atmosphere of loyalty to the corporation.

Programs and benefits that directly address work life balance issues include:

dependent care (child-care and elder-care programs) flexible or alternative work schedules (flex-time, compressed work weeks, telecommuting, job sharing, and part time employment) leaves (paid and unpaid family care leaves, maternity phase-back, and so on)