Work and Leisure

Profound transformations in the nature and organization of work are occurring worldwide, with potentially far reaching social and economic consequences. The changing nature of global economic and social environments has led to a complex relationship between work, leisure, social structure and quality of life, which present a challenging concern for researchers, educators and policy makers alike. For some organizations flexibility of working practices are being coupled with policies for a balanced work and non-work life, sometimes in response to new attitudes, values and aspirations of key workers; but also to enhance creativity, improve company loyalty, and reduce corporate health bills. Yet many employees are experiencing long hours, increasing workloads, changing work practices and job insecurity, all of which can lead to problematic levels of stress. At the same time, major social differentiation exists with significant sections of society unable to obtain employment, as well as significantvariations in health and quality of life. InThe Future of Work and Leisureleading experts from a wide range of disciplines examine these issues by reviewing the primary areas of concern, linking each to the core practical and theoretical issues, as well as the implications of these for both future research and policy decisions. As a result this text will be provide up-to-date and well-balanced coverage of these key issues, and will prove a valuable resource to students of psychology, sociology, social policy, business and leisure studies, as well as to policy makers in both private and public organizations.