Although the press often frame work/life/family balance as a woman's issue, a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center found that 57% of working mothers and a very close 50% of working fathers said that it was difficult to balance job and family responsibilities. With work/life balance now becoming an 'everyone' issue, employers and employees should take note of its importance.

According to Mr Obama, companies that provide a better work/life balance have more productive, more loyal employees, lower turnover and are ultimately more profitable. Better work/life balance has also been proven to increase job satisfaction, reduce absenteeism and positively impact on the perception of the organisation amongst the general public. 
 

For individuals, a better work/life balance improves overall wellbeing and morale enabling employees to perform at their best. Having balance allows individuals to engage in a positive way with their family and friends. They are less likely to suffer from fatigue or to feel unfulfilled and are more likely to be able to bond with their peers through common interests.

It's hard enough trying to have a life when you don't have kids, so what happens when you do? (According to Mr Smith the answer lies in a giant calendar). We get some tips from Oliver Black, father of three and founder of My Family Care, a company that offers a suite of services dedicated to helping big companies make work+family work for their employees.

Ollie: "We had 3 children in 17 months (yes, that means twins) and my wife works. I am passionate about our business – we have around 350 people working with over 100 leading businesses to deliver solutions and services to help their employees make work+family work… so it means I do have a view – and a few real scars – to prove the point.

Tip #1: Balance isn’t achieved in a day or week or possibly even a month, but best viewed over the year. I feel it’s a bit like trench warfare and as long as no side gains ground permanently it’s OK. So don’t be too judgemental on yourself.

Tip #2: Flexible Working – lots of rubbish spoken about it. It’s a two way street which needs give and take on both sides. Treat people like adults, give them responsibility to deliver the outcomes the business needs, whilst allowing them the flexibility to make their family lives hang together. Technology and culture are the enablers. Productivity, Engagement & Loyalty are the outcomes. 

Tips #3: Have a backup plan – things like our Work and Family Space and Backup Care are awesome (I’m biased). Once the “grain of sand” gets into your perfect set up, things can unravel pretty quickly and sorry to be the bearer of bad news, it gets harder once the “little darlings” go to school! So get your support networks in place and nurture them.

Tip #4: Domestic bliss – I am not sure it exists or that I get it right. But I find most of our arguments are really about lack of appreciation. We "do diaries” and we do look and list “all” the things that need doing as a family. We then divide up the list. OK it’s a bit OCD but presumption is the mother of all mess ups. A fair division of responsibilities, that isn’t gender biased makes sure everyone feels appreciated.

Tip #5: Perfection doesn’t exist – keep working at it, don’t believe that anyone has it “right” all the time – and, if it works for you and your family is happy then that’s good enough."

Follow My Family Care on twitter @workplusfamily, check out the My Family Care website and read about My Family Care's childcare revolution on Yahoo and Womanthology. 

In this day and age, it is so easy to get swept up in a flurry of emails, concalls, videocalls, meetings about calls, calls about meetings that you hardly have time to breathe, let alone do other essential things like book that spa day (or go to the toilet). So how do we learn to cope with it all? As an ex-Goldman Sachs employee turned wellness coach, Elsa Alexandra knows the drill all too well. Here are her top tips.  

Tip #1: Get clear about your life priorities - Unless you know what YOU want, you'll end up living the life others design for you. Start by identifying your life priorities. From these seven areas, which ones do you value most: Health, Romance, Family & Friends, Recreation, Personal Growth, Career & Finances, or Physical Environment? Rank them by order of importance. What speaks louder to your heart?

Tip #2: Set yourself inspired goals - Pick your top 3 life priorities and brainstorm what your dream scenario would be for each of them. What would really excite you? What are you deepest desires and goals?

Tip #3: Manage your time accordingly - Now get your calendar! On a weekly basis, are you devoting enough time to your top life priorities? What do you have to do in order to achieve your 'inspired goals'? Do you need to enrol in a biweekly yoga class or maybe block Saturdays as a family day? Whatever it is, schedule it now and stick with it!

Tip #4: Don't overstretch - Reach for your goals, but make sure you're not running off your feet. Focus on no more than three projects a day and make sure to allow yourself enough time for renewal and recreation. 

Tip #5: Prioritise your self care - Taking good care of yourself should be a top priority. That includes getting enough sleep (at least 6-7 hours a night), eating fresh nutritious foods (preferably organic) an getting a sensible amount of physical activity (don't under or over exercise).

Once you make room in your life for what really matters, you'll feel more balanced, happier and fulfilled.

If you would like to learn more about this topic, click here to get your free copy of Elsa's eBook (made available specially to Suit & Pie readers!): "7 Self-Care Mistakes Successful Women Make - An Insider's Guide to Stop Self-Sacrificing Your Wellbeing & Relationships". Follow Elsa on twitter @ElsaAlexandraR, check out her website and facebook group - Successful, Sexy and Serene. 

So what initiatives have companies put in place to try and help their employees 'have it all'?

Unlimited holiday: A growing number of (mainly US West Coast tech) companies including Netflix, Evernote and the Virgin Group have recently started offering unlimited paid days off as a company benefit. The reasoning being that millennials tend to spend money on experiences rather than material goods. This move is to counter the American "no-vacation nation" culture where Americans leave on average 3.2 paid holiday days untaken per year.

Full pay paternity leave: From April next year, paternity pay for male Civil Service employees will be equal to maternity leave pay. The initiative, being championed by DPM Nick Clegg, means that fathers will benefit from extra money on top of statutory pay, as mothers do, if parents choose to share parental leave between them. Mr Clegg hopes this will encourage other organisations to offer similar incentives to new fathers. The measure has been met with some criticism.

Playtime (not that kind!): Although not a novel idea, I was reminded of the importance of getting to know your work colleagues outside of the working environment in an article by Lynne Parker, executive officer for Funny Women. Going on an 'away day' and 'playing' with your colleagues can sound cringey but will also offer an insight into their characters, strengths and personalities, create a bond and help to build your team. So you are more "YES! Monday!" rather than "ergh... Monday".