National Associates Committee

Last winter AssociateNews conducted a reader employment survey. More than three-quarters of respondents indicated that it was either very important or important that a typical workweek remain around 40 hours and that a comp time policy be instituted so that when we do have a big push, the extra hours can be utilized as time-off later.  Flex time, or the ability to manipulate your own schedule based on personal or project needs, was even more appealing to associates – 82% of respondents indicated that flex time was either very important or important.  Additionally, The New York Times article “Still Searching for Equilibrium in the Work-Life Balancing Act” by Kelly Pate Dwyer references a study by the Society for Human Resource Management stating that “[Balance] is the No. 1 factor in job satisfaction for workers age 35 and younger.” This is especially interesting for associates, who are typically younger than our AIA counterparts.

Have you found a way to balance your work life and home life?  What struggles or triumphs have you experienced since entering the workforce?  Share your tips, tricks, successes and difficulties.

How many times have you seen the term “Intern Architect” used by employers, employees, AIA components, or NCARB? Did you know that this term is not legally defined or allowed in almost half of the states? Many articles have been written on the subject suggesting that it is time to institute an industry-wide title change.  What are your thoughts a title change? What title would you recommend?

Reference:  http://www.aia.org/aiarchitect/thisweek08/0912/0912rc_face.cfm