What Works For Business Is 'Work'

While some American companies look favorably on younger workers' desire to balance work and family, most still lean hard on the work side of the scale.

"I think it's a bit of wishful thinking. It's not going to change the job market radically," says Arlene Johnson, vice president of the Families and Work Institute.

While, she does see examples of Generation Xers pushing companies to change, she points to other industries - such as law and accounting - where young employees still grind out 80 and 100 hours a week.

"The dominant culture in the country is one of long hours and sacrificing to get ahead," Ms. Johnson contends.

While people's attitudes help shape the culture of the workplace, she adds, the workplace also shapes what people accept.