Episode 85

Generation on the Rise: Work Life Balance

In this episode, Brandon Ford leads the conversation with co- hosts Eden Ratlif and Dave Pribulka. They discuss the challenges of work-life balance in local government, touching on public comment dynamics, the pioneering leaf blower ban initiative, and the importance of personal life beyond work. They explore generational differences in work expectations, the impact of remote work policies, and the recent implementation of a paid parental leave policy. The conversation emphasizes the need for boundaries and support in achieving a healthy work-life balance.

Highlights include: why culture starts at the top (and why “first in, last out” can quietly poison a workplace), why “email jail” keeps people from fully unplugging, what it looks like to structure remote work without creating resentment, and a concrete example of a benefits move that actually supports families: a 12-week paid parental leave policy that includes birth, non-birth parents, adoption, and foster adoption.

“Work-life balance is not about time management. It’s about boundary management. You could always make the time work, but it’s those boundaries—setting those boundaries up.” - Brandon

About the Podcast

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PCC Local Time
A show about ideas and innovation in local government

About your host

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Nancy Hess

The Pioneering Change Community (PCC) hosts informal conversations about evolving ideas in local government management. I am founder of the PCC community and creator of the PCC Local Time podcast. I am also an HR & Org Development consultant who works with local governments to build high engagement workplaces. You can find out more about my work at www.njhessassociates.com